Those of us who live on or near the southeastern coast of the United States have by now experienced, continue to experience or dodged the experience of facing the wrath of Hurricane Florence as she slowly winds down while dropping huge amounts of water on the people of North Carolina and South Carolina. Hurricanes are a frightening experience and the aftermath is usually worse. Days without power, wondering if life as it was known is over and fear of the unknown and all of the hard work and toil required to return to normal can be haunting. And I'm sure that the owner of this pier in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, a landmark in the area has some of those concerns today after the strong structure finally succumbed to the sea on the second day. He must face the decision of whether or not to rebuild and what that will entail for his livelihood.
But whether or not you were impacted directly, indirectly or not, just knowing that such an event can suddenly turn your world upside down should be used to change your life. For piers and houses come and go and people live and then they die, but what kind of impact will the knowledge of the storm have on you. We humans live in a world full of trials and tribulations of varying degree, some are critical and others are just inconvenient, but we need to learn from all of these that without putting our trust in God, not mere mortal man, we can never overcome the obstacles that life brings. One of the reasons we face adversity is that it strengthens us, if handled properly it gives us patience and will allow us to open our heart to find the way, the truth and the life.
If you are already a believer, then you've already made the biggest and most positive decision of your life, but you still have to guard against slipping back as the Evil One always looks for any signs of weakness. If you haven't made your free will decision, well, the moment of truth is here, for without opening your heart to the Light of the World through the Holy Spirit within you, the trials and turmoils will get the best of you which become unbearable. We were created by God in His image and He wants and expects us to live up to what that means. Oh, we can turn him down and He will be saddened, but His promise of life forever to those who accept the truth by believing in faith is a paramount requirement in the end and it can only be made while you are still living an earthly life. When you're gone, it's too late.
So, if you've been facing external and internal adversities and haven't figured out the way to face them and end the turmoil, then open your heart, let the Spirit fill you with the light of love and then you will be attuned with your ultimate mediator, the Lord Jesus, who will positively represent you on the road to heaven. Get prepared and get your name on the pages of the Book of Life now. If so, your eternity in glory will be assured. No ifs, no buts, just positively so.
Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us the opportunity to end all trials and tribulations through the proper use of our free will. Help us to always keep our hearts open, to listen to the Spirit and follow the advice given for living our life and, in that way, through belief by faith, we will be worthy of salvation. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.