"The storm is definitely kicking up," Dad said as he finished charging his phone.
"Dad!" Robby shouted over the sound of the raging wind outside. "Are you sure the house won't blow away?"
Dad pulled Robby closer. "The house is groaning, but it was built to handle hurricanes--and with the windows boarded up, we'll be safe."
The howling wind smacked into the side of the house. Robby dove to the floor and grabbed the couch. "Right now I wish I was attached to a huge rock."
"Spiritually, you are." Dad got down next to him. "Remember the story Jesus told about the two houses--one built on rock and the other on sand? Anyone who knows Jesus as their Savior is like a person who builds their house on rock. He gives us strength to get through life-storms."
"Life-storms?" asked Robby.
Dad nodded. "Trouble. Temptation. Anything that threatens to blow us away from trusting and obeying Jesus. When life-storms come our way, we need to remember His promises."
"How do we do that?" Robby asked.
"Well, one way we can prepare for storms is to read the Bible and pray. When we talk to Jesus and listen to the truth of His Word, it helps us remember that He is our Rock. No matter what happens, He will be with us because He has saved us and given us eternal life."
The house creaked from the wind. Robby gripped the couch tighter. "Is this the worst hurricane you've seen?"
"No," Dad said. "Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans long before you were born. I'll never forget it. Those winds topped 175 miles per hour, and it was the third largest hurricane recorded in US history."
The wind shrieked even louder. "Dad? I'm still scared--can we pray?"
Dad nodded, and they bowed their heads. The instant they finished, Robby felt a sense of peace knowing Jesus would be with them no matter what happened.
"Congratulations," Dad said. "You prayed--which is exactly what the Bible tells us to do when we're afraid. We've done everything we can; it's in God's hands now."
Robby grabbed the emergency kit. "We're prepared. Let's join Mom and Kate in the storm shelter."
-Matt Shoemaker
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you prepared for storms in your life? Maybe there’s a life-storm you’re going through right now. Jesus promises to be with you in life’s storms. Pray about your problems, and trust Him to help you through them. As you talk to Jesus and listen to what He has to say to you in the Bible, He will help you remember the truth of His promises so you can stay strong when storms come.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)