THE COMING STORM

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:26).

The story of Noah's flood is such a gripping one because this man was such a tower of strength. It hit me this morning that Noah endured an incredible tempest twice in his life. Before God sent the flood to destroy all living things, Noah stood for 120 years as a fearless preacher of righteousness. For 120 years, he warned everyone he could of the coming judgment. He entreated them with the love of a father to come into the ark and be saved--to return to God, for He would forgive! But the more he preached, the more they mocked him, and the more they rebelled against the law of the Lord.

"But Noah stood like a rock amid the tempest. Surrounded by popular contempt and ridicule, he distinguished himself by his holy integrity and unwavering faithfulness. A power attended his words, for it was the voice of God to man through His servant. Connection with God made him strong in the strength of infinite power" (Patriarchs and Prophets, pg. 96).

Though surrounded by wickedness in every form, when wickedness was at its zenith, Noah was blameless, righteous in word and deed, a man of flawless integrity. And through his sterling example, his whole family embraced the God that he loved so much! 

The story of Noah has something for every generation, but especially for these last days (before Christ comes). For very soon, this world will be destroyed again--not by a flood of waters, but by heaven-sent fire. This earth will be cleansed before God makes "a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). And like it was in the days of Noah, He will have a remnant who will speak for God, warning all to return to the Lord and come into His ark of safety. That ark is His church who ''keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus'' (Revelation 14:12). 

I'm praying this morning that I may be the witness Noah was--today and every day until He comes. I know, by God's grace, I can be strong in God's power--blameless, righteous, and perfect in my generation. I'm not able on my own to do it, but I know if I put my life into Christ's hands, He will ''sanctify [me] completely'' so my ''whole spirit, soul, and body'' may ''be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ'' (1 Thessalonians 5:23). For the One who called Noah is the one who calls me--and He who calls me is faithful, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). As I cooperate with my Savior, He'll live His life through me! Praise the Lord!

YOU ARE MY SHIELD

"Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God." But You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy hill" (Psalm 3:1-3).

God never abandons a crying child. He's always there to protect us. When temptations surround us and enemies try to shake our faith, God is our shield. We're kept safe by His power and that power is in His Word. His precious promises give us unlimited strength for every emergency, keeping us faithful to the One who has promised. 

He is also our glory, the source of all honor. And it's an honor, in times of trial, to rely on Him completely and without fear. When we trust all with Jesus, His love and strength is on display. His glory is seen through us. We may feel our weakness at every turn, but when we rest in Jesus, we can stand in the middle of a raging storm. Because we know Jesus is with us. He's the One sustaining us and keeping us strong. 

And it's such an honor to go through trial with Jesus or for Jesus. It's stepping more closely into His shoes and joining Him in His ministry. "It was through suffering that Jesus obtained the ministry of consolation. In all the affliction of humanity He is afflicted; and “in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” Isaiah 63:9; Hebrews 2:18. In this ministry every soul that has entered into the fellowship of His sufferings is privileged to share. "As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5. 

The Lord has special grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt hearts, to win souls. His love opens a channel into the wounded and bruised soul, and becomes a healing balsam to those who sorrow. “The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort ... comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4" (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pg. 13).

The weight of trials or temptation may try to pull us down, but Jesus is always with us. He will lift up our heads so we can see how near He really is. He will give us His abiding Presence to rise above the attacks of the enemy. He will make us "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). "Deliverance is from the Lord!" (Psalm 3:8)