Offered in the introduction to Part 1 of “When Floodwaters Rise” was the reminder that “sometimes, however, the storms and floods of life are not of the H2O variety. Floods of doubt, despair, disease, divorce, depression and even death may gush forcefully into our experience and no amount of sandbagging seems to be of any value.” In addition, “if you haven’t experienced a storm or flood in your life, then you just haven’t lived long enough yet (because) no one is immune or exempt from the floods of life” also was presented.
These observations became real to my family and me on a personal level in the past few days as my younger sister Mera suffered a stroke that resulted in death. Because of Mera’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ, family and friends are comforted knowing that the transition from her earthly sojourn has resulted in heavenly peace and rest as she enjoys ultimate, complete, and eternal victory with her Savior.
When floodwaters rise in your life, be encouraged to Stay in Touch with Your Father (Heavenly Father) and Stay in Touch with Your Family. And, as you and your family enter, endure, and exit the flood experience together, be reminded to…
Stay in Touch with Your Faith
Remember who you are and whose you are. Noah exited as he entered…with full and complete devotion to God. Noah worshipped God (Genesis 8:20). You and I exist to worship our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer God.
Noah’s name is derived from the Hebrew word which means “rest.” As recorded in Genesis 8:4, the ark came to “rest” on the mountains of Ararat. The only way that anyone can withstand the floods of life is to be intimately united with God through Jesus Christ who invites everyone to “Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi coast, New Orleans and surrounding areas in Louisiana and beyond, I wrote a song entitled “The Hurricane Song.” The chorus and closing portion of the song have these words…
Chorus: Oh, the hurricanes and storms of life cause hurting and much pain,
When they take away the homes and jobs we’ve worked so hard to gain.
But never should we give up hope, ‘cause Jesus is our best friend; He’s the One who walks on water and speaks to calm the wind.
So place your faith in Jesus Christ, He’s my Savior and my best friend. He’s the One who walks on water and speaks to calm the wind.
In the refrain to the great hymn entitled “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” Lidie Edmunds wrote the words “I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.” Employing the word F-A-I-T-H as an acronym for “Forsaking All I Trust Him” reminds us that Jesus is our confidence and our hope. Through faith in Him, you and I can find rest.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being present with me at all times including the storms and floods of life. Thank you for Jesus’ death on the cross for sinners like me. Thank you for eternal life that comes to those who have placed their faith in your son. Thank you for providing peace and rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden. Thank you for the heavenly dwelling promised and prepared for my sister Mera and for receiving her unto yourself. Amen.
Daniel
