Storm Warnings

[Jesus speaking] See, I have told you beforehand.
Matthew 24:25 NKJV

At the time of this writing, the St. Louis area is being inundated with snow. There are pictures and videos posted on social media - some from the safety of their warm home, showing the beauty of fresh, fallen snow, but most are of the cars stranded in treacherous road conditions. Thankfully, my sister was safe at home before the bulk of it started. However, I have friends whose normal 30-minute commute took them more than 4 or 5 hours to get home, and still others who are unable to get home. For those, other friends and family members near them have opened their homes for safe shelter till the storm is over. Still others are stranded at work. The national storm warning is in effect until midnight on Saturday.

Three days ago, winter storm watches were posted, complete with do's and don'ts of being out in it, and what you would need to be prepared at home or in your vehicle. I know some people had to go to work and were not released from their obligation to do so. Others claim bragging rights of knowing how to drive in it because they've lived there so long and they're used to it. For them, snow days are often treated as a type of feast day, replete with comfort food and grazing tables. And then there is the fact that weather forecasters in general are notorious for sensationalizing bad weather, so people tend to not pay close attention. They don't heed the warnings. 

Is it the same with our lives in Christ? Jesus is always speaking to us - through His Word, through our quiet times in His presence, through others. Are we listening? The storms are coming. He left a complete instruction book for us, a survival guide complete with do's and don'ts and what we need to be prepared for the storms of life. Are we paying attention? Or are we lulled into a false sense of security because we've lived in this so long we're used to it? Just something to think about...

Prayer:

Father, 

          Forgive us for not heeding Your Word. Thank You for being the Word and forgive us for not acknowledging the power and life in it. Thank You for the many illustrations of Your delivering us from the storms in our lives. Open our ears to hear. Give us hearts to understand and embrace Your Truths. Give us the strength and courage to respond in kind. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen