Have you ever heard them, the
winds of change? Rustling through your spirit like
a freight train, or throwing you off guard like a
hard knock, they are felt not only in our bodies
but also in our minds and spirits.
Sometimes the wind has a very
warming effect upon us. Have you ever walked
against the wind on a summer’s eve? It is both
exhilarating and warms a person up quickly. Fall
brings breezes that remove leaves from the trees
assisting them for a time of dormancy. Fall winds
are pleasurable and paint a colorful picture.
Then there are winds that have a
chilling effect. We find ourselves buttoning up
coats and putting on hats, but still the winter’s
wind brings with it a biting feeling and a
numbness that is almost painful. It is a blessing
when the signs of spring emerge and gentle breezes
begin to blow. The spring winds are so fresh and
invigorating. The warming sun is bright, but the
winds of the changing season make the temperatures
just right.
Winds at the perfect time, and
at the perfect velocity, make nature even more
beautiful to behold. These winds are "winds
of change" that usher out one season allowing
nature to prepare for the next. They happen
regularly, and often they go unnoticed as we
scurry around with our busy lives.
There is yet another kind of
wind. Whether it comes from the north, south,
east, or west, there is a sudden change of
conditions. The winds become perilous and perhaps
even life threatening. These are the winds that
make up the tropical storms, hurricanes, tornados,
and typhoons. They are powerful forces to be
reckoned with, and many times we have little
warning to prepare for them. At other times, we
simply do not heed the warning signs.
Sudden changes are often stormy
times in our lives. The lid gets blown off our box
of dreams, our marriage collapses, our friendships
are blown away, our ministries swirl out of
control, or our jobs go right out the window.
Perhaps illness threatens our lives, or situations
try to pull apart our families. These are just a
few of the effects of "the winds of
change."
I have felt the "winds of
change" recently. We will all be exposed to
them at some time along life’s journey. We may
not have the time to protect ourselves as we feel
we should, but if we will take a lesson from the
wise man in Matthew 7:24-25, we will perhaps
suffer anguish and pain—but our lives in Jesus
will remain intact. You see the wise man built his
house from the foundation upon The Rock. Though
the winds came, he remained because his foundation
was well built.
What are you building on today?
Are you constructing your life upon dreams,
talents, other’s promises, friendships,
children, your health, your church, or your
spouse? Each of these things has a place in our
lives, but they cannot be the foundation for our
life or we will be totally blown away by the
"winds of change." The word
"change" means "a new
challenge" and if we are to grow into the
image of Christ, it will be through the avenue of
change.
Every time you survive the
ferocious winds of change, you need to go and
measure yourself. You will find that you have
grown a little bit taller in the things of God.
You will look a little bit more like Jesus. The
winds of change are not something that we look
forward to, but they are priceless though painful
times in the life of the believer.
Maybe today is a good day to
check your foundation. Some of you may find that a
bit of repair work is needed. Others may have to
build on higher ground. Do what you can now—because
when the "winds of change" begin to
blow, you will find yourself holding on for dear
life. If you are holding on to The Master, He will
take you to a place of safety and eventually will
speak to the winds with His mighty voice saying,
"Peace be still."
The "winds of change"
may come and go, but if you build wisely on the
firm foundation of Jesus you will remain!
