4 minute read
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 27:12 NIV)
Whether you are prudent or simple is defined by your reaction to danger.
Since we live on the east coast, we experience hurricanes. Intense storms that move slowly get a lot of press. Typically a week out from landfall, the news coverage begins. Opinions based on scientific models trying to predict the storm’s course are rampant. People start boarding up their homes and evacuating to safer areas. But some people decide to stay behind. Various reasons cause people not to evacuate. Even knowing staying may mean death, they choose to stay. A majority of people would call not leaving simple, but not all. Deciding to ride out a hurricane isn’t typically a prudent decision.
Calculate the cost.
When facing danger, calculate the cost. Hurricanes mean you can quickly lose everything, including your life. Material things are replaceable; human life is not. Each person must determine the price they are willing to pay. For Christ-followers, death is but the next phase of life. Jesus’s resurrection gives us eternal life. What appears as a danger to some is not to others. Paul tells us to die is gain:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21 NIV)
Whatever danger you face, Christ is with you. He is always with you; He will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). Following Him closely means He’ll let you know when to take cover. He’ll also let you know when to stay. If unsure of what you should do, just ask Him. A simple prayer I pray: “God open the doors you want me to go through, close the ones you don’t.”
God’s direction keeps you out of danger.
Danger for me lately is keeping up. I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do. New project ideas are rampant in my head; I’m trying to finish my last class before I graduate and, of course, working. But then God intervenes. As a tennis teacher, rainy days mean unexpected days off. This past week, God gave me two unanticipated free nights because of the weather. Then, our weekend plans went awry, canceling as well. I went from trying to find time to get it all done to God, giving me exactly the time I need to do what I need to do. God protects us from trouble:
“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;” (Psalm 32:7 NIV)
Walking with God mean’s safety from the storm. Hurricane’s will still rage, but in Him, we find strength. Whether we evacuate or stay, we are secure in Him.
When in danger, seek God.
Question of the Day:
What danger has God saved you from lately?
Further Reading: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31NIV, Hebrews 10:1-17 NIV, Psalm 108 NIV, Proverbs 27:12 NIV
