Have you experienced a whirlwind in your life? A time when you didn’t know right from left, front from back, or up from down? You know, when life was coming at you so fast that you found yourself spinning in different directions emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically? Whirlwinds are hard! If we are not prepared, a whirlwind can cause us to spin out of control.
Jesus knew about whirlwinds. He experienced people shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!” Before long, the shouts of “Hosanna” were replaced with, “crucify, crucify, crucify!” In the days leading up to this experience, Jesus took the disciples aside and gave them a dose of truth that would help them navigate the whirlwinds of life.
Thankfully, the same truths apply to us today. John 14 records Jesus’ words. When I read this passage, I imagine Jesus looking the disciples in the eyes and tenderly, yet boldly, expressing these truths.
1. When a whirlwind hits you must trust God!
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me”
John 14:1 NIV
Trusting God occurs when we know that God is at work in us even when we don’t understand the circumstances going on around us. Jesus knew the disciples would be at a loss for direction once He was arrested and crucified. As a result, Jesus reminded the disciples to trust no matter what. Trusting God allows us to remain calm during the wildest storm as we know and believe that God is in control and that He is faithful to all His promises found in the Bible.
2. When a whirlwind hits you must have an eternal perspective!
“In my Father’s house are many rooms… and I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 NIV
An eternal perspective requires that we look up in order to gain our bearings. Looking up reminds us that this world is not our home. Heaven is our real home. When we know and believe this truth, we will be more concerned with eternal things over earthly things. Freedom results from an upward focus because the circumstances of the whirlwind may impact us but will not ultimately control our lives.
3. When a whirlwind hits you must walk a clear path!
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 NIV
Ultimately, the way we make it through a whirlwind is by focusing on Jesus. As we focus on Jesus, we discover that no matter how hard our life may be, Jesus has the answer because He is the answer! Putting our eyes on Jesus provides a step-by-step path to navigating the whirlwind. As we look to Jesus, we begin to think His thoughts and demonstrate actions that reflect His work in and through our lives.
Whirlwinds are hard, but scripture teaches that believers in Jesus Christ can biblically respond to them. What an amazing truth! We can live a whirlwind resistant life! As we do, our hearts will be strengthened to purposefully walk a clear path that trusts God and lives with His eternal perspective. The outcome will be that we are no longer whipped or whirled around by the circumstances of life. Instead, our hearts will be centered and strong in Jesus!
One Response
Wonderful article Ms. Lennon!