TRUSTING GOD IN TROUBLED TIMES part 2 of 5:

TRUST GOD – HE’S THE SHELTER YOU NEED

Did you ever find yourself needing shelter when there was a storm? Years ago, we were cozily at home, with a warm fire, in the middle of terrible blizzard, when there was a knock on the door. It was a couple of ladies trying to drive back to the city; their car had drifted into the ditch just across the road. They didn’t even have winter coats or boots, just light sweaters and shoes.

Of course, we were happy to have them come in and warm up. My father-in-law fired up the tractor and was able to draw them back on the road with a chain. A cup of coffee, and then they were able to call for help, and get on their way.

Jesus often explained the Kingdom of God in parables; here in Mark 4:30-34 the parable of the giant plant that grows from the tiny mustard seed talks about shelter. We all need shelter when we’re in trouble. The world is full of danger, and we’re vulnerable. Just because we believe in God and follow Jesus, doesn’t mean we’ll always stay safe. So how does God help?

This parable says that God is planting His kingdom here among us. Here we can finally find a place of peace, just like the birds that make their nests, a place of refreshment, like shade from the sun. Jesus himself is the seed of the kingdom, who gives up His life on the cross: meaning he suffers and dies for us. Clinging to the cross of Jesus is the only safety we have. Only here can we persevere even when things are hard.

But that’s not all. We too can offer shelter to each other, by sharing the hope that comes from faith in Jesus. Just like my family was able to offer a couple of stranded travelers a warm place to recover, and a tow to get back on the road, we can boost each other with our prayerful support. So many people have a hard time knowing where to turn when things are going badly. May we been open-hearted to people who turn to us.

Psalm 46 tells us that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” No matter may happen, he is with us. When we have reached the end of our strength, and don’t know how to keep going, we will truly understand these wise words. “Be still, and know that I am God!”