Winds of Change

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Matthew 7:25

The year was coming to an end on a very windy note and things hadn’t been going to well anywhere, it would seem in the last few months of the year. A plane crash took the lives of 162 souls, police officers across the United States were being targeted - or so it seemed, being killed in the line of duty. Wars were still raging in some parts of the world and despite what the media would have us believe the economy was still struggling and people were still struggling, waiting for things to get better. 

As I sit enjoying a cup of tea and listening to the wind howl outside; the idea of winds of change came to mind and a certain 1964 Disney movie - Mary Poppins. The Banks family was having some issues, when the wind changes here comes Mary Poppins floating into their lives under her umbrella. Quietly and with a bit Disney magic she manages to set the Banks family back on course and with another change in the wind she sails away with her umbrella. I reckon none of us will have Mary Poppins floating into our lives to get us back on track, but winds do bring change - they are powerful forces wielded by the Creator of the universe the Scriptures tell us. Wind can change the contour of the landscape, destroy entire communities, bring much needed rain or dry out water logged land. Winds can drive a ship across the sea safely or send it onto the rocks to its ruin.

This week’s passage comes from Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builder. Since this is supposed to be encouraging, I decided to focus on the wise man’s house. While Jesus is talking about the importance of smart construction and having a solid foundation, He is really talking about the kind of foundation we need to build our lives on not just the kind we build our homes on.  

Many of us have been battered by strong winds over the past year and if you have built your life on a foundation of stone that is Christ Jesus, no doubt you have come to the end of the year a bit battered perhaps but still standing. Stand firm, the winds will change, they will bring healing and abundance.

As the year ends continue to stand firm trusting in the One who forms the foundation of your life and controls the wind. That is reason enough to celebrate. 

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for what we can learn from the wind and worldly things like Disney movies. Thank you that Your Son is the foundation of our lives. Help us as we enter a new year to stand firm trusting that Foundation. In the name of Jesus, our foundation and wind changer - Amen.