The storms of life

Pastor Pat O'Rourke

There are times in every life of relatively clear sailing. Life is good, dreams are being fulfilled and expectations are high. But suddenly – from out of nowhere – something terrible can happen. Jesus used the metaphor of a storm to describe this. In Matthew chapter 7, verses 24-27, he spoke of furious storms lashing against two houses. The first house was built on a firm, solid foundation. It withstood the storm, continued to stand and provide shelter for the owner. The second house, however, was constructed differently. It had no foundation, just a floor laid on sand. It was devastated. It fell over, wrecked and its purpose as a house was finished. It’s an interesting story with a very clear message. Build your life on a firm, solid foundation and when the storms come (as they do to everyone) you will not be blown away. You will continue to be able to live with dignity and purpose. You can’t avoid the storms of life, but you can avoid the devastation a storm can bring. So, with all that in mind, let me ask a question. How can I build a solid foundation in life? In this passage in scripture, Jesus answers that question. Build your life on the foundation of His sayings, His words. In my personal Bible the words of Jesus are written in red. We call this a ‘Red Letter’ edition of the Bible. There words are written in red: when carefully considered and obeyed (the Bible) will bring you and I through this life intact and also usher us safely into eternity. There is no situation great or small - important or unimportant - which Jesus did not deal with in His words. I realize the words that I write to you today are very simple and many would question. Can I really structure my life around words that were spoken and recorded 2,000 years ago by a controversial carpenter – teacher – from an insignificant village named Nazareth? After all, this is a complex age we live in. There is much change and information is coming at me so fast. I don’t know if I can trust my life to these words written in red. I suppose nobody can answer those questions for you but my advice to you would be to get a Bible, if you don’t already have one, immerse yourself in the teachings of Jesus found in the four gospels and watch what happens when the storms of life come. You will find you will come through these storms with your life, vocation and marriage in tact. And you will be able to go on to a new enjoyment of life. Thank you for taking the time to read this today.