Tornado Proof? 

          The recent tornadic events have left many of us shaking our heads in dismay and unbelief as thousands come to terms with their horrific losses.  Experts tell us that while it is impossible to make your home “tornado proof”, many steps can be taken to make it “tornado resistant.  FEMA recommends that homeowners living in tornado prone areas reinforce entry doors with heavy duty dead bolts and door hinge screws with longer ones.  Furthermore they suggest not planting trees close to the home, adding stiffeners to garage doors, brace gable end roofs, and reinstalling protective windows and storm shutters.  

          What about the frequent circumstantial and emotional tornados which blow into our lives.   These storms of life will inevitably come, yet there are steps we can take to make ourselves resilient to trying times.   In John 15, Jesus presents Himself as the vine and likens us to the branches.   As long as we stay united and connected to Him we have provision, nourishment, and everything we need for life.   In Psalm 8:9, David refers to Him as our refuge in the time of trouble.  In Psalm 61:3, He becomes the place of protection where his enemies couldn’t reach him.  The prophet Isaiah in 25:4 refers to Him as “a tower of refuge for the poor, a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat,”(NLT)

          George Muller once said, “Work with all your might, but never trust in your work.  Pray with all your might for the blessings of God, but work at the same time with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance.  Pray, then, and work.  Work and pray.  And still again pray, then work.  And so on all the days of your life.  The result will be abundant blessing.  Whether you see much fruit or a little, such kind of service will be blessed.”  Stay connected and bear fruit!