A Whirlwind Resistant Life!

We all know what it is like to get caught up in a whirlwind in life. A whirlwind occurs when the circumstances of life leave you at a point where you do not know right from left, front from back, or up from down. The result of a whirlwind is that life occurs so fast that you find yourself constantly spinning in different directions--- emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Whirlwinds come in different forms. A few examples include: unexpected diagnosis, breakdown in a relationship, loss of a loved one, financial problems, crisis at church, or loss of a job. Any one of these situations can leave you at a point where you do not know right from left, front from back, or up from down.

Jesus' disciples experienced their share of whirlwinds. One whirlwind took place in the months leading up to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. During this time, the disciples experienced a lot of ups and downs. Think about the triumphal entry. Certainly, this was a high point. The disciples must have rejoiced in the fact that many Jews were waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna." This high was quickly shattered with the lowest of lows. The same crowd shouting, "Crucify!"

In the midst of the whirlwind, Jesus drew the disciples aside and gave them a series of instructions. Today, I would like to focus on three instructions found in John 14:1-6. Hear these words as the disciples must have heard them. Full of love and assurance as they flowed from Jesus' lips.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14: 1-6

Three Clear Instructions:

1. Trust God with every detail of life! The most important question in your life, "Do I trust God with the details in my life?" We ultimately display our trust in God by surrendering to Him--- to His will and to His purposes.
2. Embrace a big picture perspective! The big picture perspective is the eternal perspective. This world is not our home! When you have a big picture perspective you understand that there is more going on in your life than you can see, measure, or comprehend. Remember God's goal for you life--- conformity to Jesus Christ. Romans 8:29. A big picture perspective helps you move past a focus on this world and the things going on in this world. The benefit, you no longer measure your life based on your circumstance. Instead, you value the things that Christ values.
3. Walk a clear path by following Jesus! Jesus is the way! Think how often we use John 14:6 to share our faith. Naturally we should. But can I tell you what grips me about this passage? The recipients were believers! Everyday believers in Jesus Christ need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

If you are in the middle of a whirlwind, find your place of refuge in God's Word. Know that you can trust God with every detail going on in your life. Know that you glorify God in your life when you embrace a big picture perspective. Know that every day you are called to walk the narrow path of following Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. As you submit to God's Word, your life will not spin out of control because of the circumstances going on in your life. Instead, you will walk, by the grace of God, through that whirlwind and straight into the loving arms of your Savior.

Love!
Andrea@TVM