When I was a kid we lived in an old, old farmhouse. It was so old that the insulation wasn’t much to speak of. I remember, in the wintertime, the wind coming across the prairie would go right through. Thankfully it was not that way all the time but when it was it was miserable. We would have our wood stove going and electric heat on to try to keep the place somewhat warm. We had to keep pipes from freezing and breaking. You might be asking, “Why in the world would you keep living there?” Well the price was right. My folks paid $65 a month for the 17 years that they lived there. There were reasons why it was so inexpensive. But it was a really special place to live despite the trials.
It made me start to thinking about us as Christians. We have the fierce wind of trials blowing at us constantly. The devil is trying to penetrate through our insulation so that we become cold. So people may ask, “Why do you continue to be a Christian with all the struggles that come your way?” The price is right and the future mansions and companionship with God is worth it.
The truth of the matter is I don’t know how I would even make it through this life without God. We do need to be “insulated” though or the cold wind of the devil will penetrate. We need to stay fortified with the Word of God. We need to have the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God and the Shield of Faith. Prayer also will open up the windows of heaven for us.
We need to thank God for the “wind”. The “wind” is what brings in the “rain”, “snow”, and the “sun”. Trials are like showers of blessings. They help us to grow and perfect our character. Some of the trials are like the cold snow. It can be a very dark time for us but as the Son of Righteousness shines on us the cold melts away and we are watered, which brings forth life.
The choice is really ours. We can allow the “cold wind” that comes to us to destroy us or we can allow God to use it for our good. The devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy but he has no power unless we give it to him. Now I know that these things are easier said than done. I have struggled many times in allowing the Lord to use my circumstances to help me grow. But I can say that as I do, the wind does not seem as cold and strong because God is insulating me. We only lack the “insulation” to stay warm if we are not fortified in God’s Word and allowing Him full control of our lives. If He is walking beside us, and even carrying us at times, the “wind” does not seem so fierce.
Dear Father,
Thank You that You are so willing to help us, insulate us, and help us grow. We struggle so much with trusting You. Many of us have trusted others and have been hurt so much that we struggle with trusting You. Thank You for continuing to prompt us and encourage us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Remember to fortify yourself with God’s Word. Memorize His promises and claim them when the “wind” is fierce.
Love you all.
Have you been through some fierce trials? What have you learned to do to fortify yourself? How did God help you through?
Sharing your testimony helps you to grow. I would love to hear your story.