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“But when we ignore God’s warnings, a scolding is in order.”

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World (Kindle Location 1530). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I know, I know.  I don’t like to be scolded either even as a 70-year-old adult. 
But sometimes we deserve it.

Max said, “Did you? Are you in a storm of anxiety because you didn’t listen to God? He told you that sex outside of marriage would result in chaos, but you didn’t listen. He told you that the borrower is a slave to the lender, but you took on the dangerous debt. He told you to cherish your spouse and nourish your kids, but you cherished your career and nourished your vices. He cautioned you about the wrong crowd and the strong drink and the long hours. But you did not listen. And now you are in a storm of your own making.”

He goes on, “If this describes you, receive God’s rebuke. He corrects those he loves, and he loves you. So stand corrected. Confess your sin and resolve to do better. Be wiser next time. Learn from your poor choice. But don’t despair.”

Paul who was the writer of a big portion of the New Testament tells the story of being on a ship in the middle of a major storm.  They had been in a safe port and Paul had suggested that they should stay there for the winter but the experienced sailors said they should go on to a better port and it was a major mistake.  And they went into a fourteen-day storm and they lost their ship.

Max says, “It is not easy to lose your ship. Your ship is the vessel that carries, sustains, protects, and supports you. Your boat is your marriage, your body, your business. Because of your boat, you’ve stayed afloat. And now without your boat, you think you will sink. You’re correct. You will, for a while. Waves will sweep over you. Fear will suck you under like a Pacific riptide. But take heart, says Paul. Take heart, says Christ: ‘In this world, you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world’ (John 16:33 NCV).

“You can lose it all, only to discover that you haven’t. God has been there all along. God has never promised a life with no storms. But he has promised to be there when we face them.”  Even when it is our fault.  He will be with us. 

Max later says, “You may be facing the perfect storm, but Jesus offers the perfect peace.”

If it is your fault just confess that to him.  Then turn to him, put your trust in him and be brave.

So, what storm are you going through today? 

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