A Perfect Storm

Tom Barnard

ew Englanders called it the “Halloween Storm.” The National Weather Service labeled it “The Perfect Storm.” It occurred in late October, 1991. The storm resulted when three giant air masses converged along the Southern New England coastline near Boston, eventually causing millions of dollars in damage and property losses everywhere.

One of the three air masses began as a hurricane north of the Bahamas. It was given the name “Grace” as it approached Florida. Fortunately for Floridians, Grace remained off the east coast as it tracked north in the general direction of Long Island, where it eventually met two fronts from the west and north. One of these fronts was a cold front that moved south and east from Canada. The other air mass was a warm front that approached the New England states from the Great Lakes.

When these three air masses collided, the New England coast was battered with hurricane-force winds and waves higher than anyone from the area had seen in their lifetime—some waves as high as 39 feet. In Massachusetts, 25-foot waves reached the shoreline atop high tides already four feet above normal. Coastal flooding was rampant. Property damage reached tens of millions of dollars. Houses along the coast that were not built on solid foundations were lost.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compared living a godly life to building a house, and he focused on the importance of proper foundations for both. Here is how his illustration unfolded.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.”

Building a spiritual life is like building a house. Only a life whose foundation is strong and solid will survive life’s storms. But Jesus said that two very important things are involved in laying a firm foundation.

·        Listen. I clearly remember my first day of basic training in the United States Air Force. We were still wearing our civilian clothing. We were about to be issued our uniforms. Physical exams and haircuts would follow. Testing would come after that. But the first man who spoke with absolute authority was our Drill Instructor. He was sharply dressed and spoke with determination. Among other things he said (some of which were laced with expletives) were these words: “I am your drill instructor. You will always refer to me as ‘Sir.’ You will go nowhere and do nothing unless I tell you to do so. You will listen carefully to every word I say, and if I ask you to repeat it, you will repeat it correctly the first time. Do you understand me?” And in unison we answered, “Yes, sir!” Jesus said to his followers, “If you are wise, you will “watch, listen, and observe.”  To whom? Jesus, of course.

·        Obey. Listening is important, but obeying is mandatory—if you want to survive the storms that are going to hit your life. Barclay said, “Knowledge must become action; theory must become practice; theology must become life.” This is true if you want to survive the storms of life. Ignore this teaching, and the next big storm that comes your way will cause everything around you to collapse without warning.

Let’s assume you are sick. You go to the doctor. She prescribes medicines and treatment, and she directs that you take certain action. You say, “But doctor, I am not at death’s door. I’m just not feeling well.” The doctor responds, “I can’t help you unless you follow these directions.” You say, “Can I get a second opinion?” She says, “Of course, but not if you are wise.” You say, “I hear you. I’ll begin today.” If you do, you will live.

Decide…Listen…Follow directions…Begin today.

You will not regret your decision. When the floods come, your life won’t collapse, if it is built on the Rock.