Storms Expose Foundations
Writer Author Rita Sue Hanks
Christian Article
:
Bible Teaching
- Fiction No
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
"Search me Oh God and know all of my heart. Try me and know every anxious thought. See if there be any wicked part, lead me in your righteousness."
"Search Me Oh God" by Christourlife... (Editor's Note: Link proved below)
This prayer and the beautiful song is one I posted on my Shoutlife site just recently. Then a wise comment came from my spiritual mentor and brother in Christ.
"This is a powerful prayer!One thing for sure...one had best have their self ready for what happens when He begins the request answering..it sometimes will go against everything we ever believed to be the WAY."
As a result of the prayer and his words I have spent some time preparing, going through several strong storms and submitting myself to Father God's purposes in the storms. As a result of all this I am seeing some things that I want to share with others on "Storms Expose Foundations"..
Walking in victory requires that we always watch and pray so that we might overcome temptations. Submissive preparation to prepare the new work of the Lord in us is imperative as he moves us from an old spiritual place to a new one. This keeps us in the triumphant flow of his spirit.
From the Mark 4 parable of the sower we have learned that when the word is sown we have an enemy who comes to steal the word so that it might be made ineffective in bringing heavenly reward. This prayer is a word of surrender sown, a vow to being examined and changed in whatever way we need change in order to stay in God's everlasting way. Now strong storms come which are purposed to tear our houses down and destroy.
Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
We can learn from the teachings in the parable that the storms come to every man's house, but the one built on the rock stands strong. The house built on the rock of Christ will stand, but the foundation of the house is battered and tested and faulty foundations become visible. Some foundations may have been built securely but over time the integrity and strength has been compromised and cracks and defects are exposed. Now a work of repair, or "Shoring up" foundational damage is begun by our Father.
And, amazingly so, some storms will serve to prove how strong and sturdy the foundation of the house really is! Consider Elijah whom God sent to stand on the mount while three severe storms raged around him.
1 Kings 19:11-15
"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way."
He had strong confidence in his God. His countenance and testimony did not change! He waited in strength and patience for the still small voice of the Lord until after the storms had passed.
The purpose of the Lord is to try our faith. Through these holy processes we are changed and we grow in grace and giftings. And although all are not called to walk where Elijah walked, all must build and maintain their own sturdy house. This keeps us headed in a right direction to ensure that we will finish our journey safely. What is imperfect in each time of testing must be revealed and fixed.
Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2 Samuel 22:16
And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered
Lead us in the way everlasting, Father, we pray!
Watch Video: Search Me Oh God, by Christourlife
Editor's Comment:
About the Writer Author
State:
Texas
Country:
USA
Email:
ritahanks@sbcglobal.net
Website:
www.facebook.com/rita.hanks
Profile:
Click here!
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