“I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land.” (Isaiah 58:14)
One of the rules learned by an airline pilot is to fly against the wind when taking off or landing the aircraft, or when seeking to climb above a storm. People learned this rule from the birds. In ordinary flying the bird goes with the wind. But if it meets danger, it turns into the wind, even if it means flying directly into the sun.
Sufferings, trials, and reverses are God’s winds. Sometimes they are extremely contrary and strong. But these veritable hurricanes take human life and lift it to higher levels, even toward God’s own heaven, if one understands their purpose.
On many a summer day the atmosphere becomes so oppressive that even breathing is difficult. But then a cloud appears in the northwest, grows larger, and then throws out its blessing of refreshing rain. The storm that seems to threaten the landscape also charges it with new life.
Our redemption in Jesus Christ is proof of God’s love, also in days of distress. “The Lord disciplines those He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). The wind sings best when hindered by the trees or the strings of a harp. Living in God’s grace, God’s child rides high, no matter what the weather.
PRAYER: Lord, let the disciplining of Your love fill our hearts with joyful song. Amen.
(Taken from “Words of Promise” (out of print), copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 1-3 1 Corinthians 6
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