In South Florida, we know about the need for protecting our houses during hurricanes. A very expensive form of protection is to install impact-resistant windows that can handle small and large missiles of debris. I have heard stories of people watching debris crash into their windows, and the windows remain intact. We Floridians know that when the windows are blown out, there goes the house.
Recently, a dear friend was in a brutal hurricane—a category 5 storm (sustained winds exceeding 157 mph). This morning, while reading Romans 15, I got excited about the hurricane windows that are available for our souls in preparation for the storms we will face.
So, how are these “impact-resistant windows” installed in our souls?
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures … we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4, NIV).
When you and I spend regular time in the Scriptures, the encouragement that is available becomes the context for the installing of these “impact-resistant windows” in our souls. This precious friend of mine is not just surviving the storm, but she is clinging to Jesus with hope. Her preparation for her present storm was months and years of choosing to make time spent with Jesus in His Word as a priority.
This intentionality is on display, with the windows of her soul presently staying intact, though her marriage has faced many assaulting missiles. Yes, the fierce winds are blowing, and large pieces of debris are slamming into her life, but her soul windows are still intact, and her hope remains.
When we neglect our time with Jesus in the Scriptures, we are not prepared for the hurricane that is coming. Hurricanes reveal the lack of pre-storm prep!
“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Prov. 24:10).
Tomorrow when you are considering not spending a little time in the Word, consider the possible “missile” that may be aimed at your soul’s windows right this moment.
Jackie Kendall has ministered through teaching and counseling for more than 30 years. As president of Power to Grow Ministries, she is a sought-after conference speaker for people of all ages and stages of life. For more information about her ministry, visit JackieKendall.com.
