The Cone of Uncertainty

I have been watching the news reports on the impending Hurricane Irma that has been barreling its way through the Caribbean on its way to Florida, presumably.  Because of the unpredictability of storm systems, it's hard to know exactly where it will eventually land.  

They call the possible path that the storm could take as "the cone of uncertainty."  

It's easy to make jokes at that phrase.  It sounds over-the-top, and weird.  Even now I am hearing myself say this phrase in a loud and booming voice, "THE CONE of UNCERTAINTY!" followed by ominous music (Dum-Dum-Dum!).  

Having been through my fair share of hurricanes, I have learned that you have a choice when it comes to this whole "cone of uncertainty" thing:  

You can decide to ignore the warnings and laugh at all of the people who are panicking and buying enough water to fill a swimming pool, and you might even be proved right about your choice when all is said and done. 

But if you're wrong, and you are caught trying to weather the storm on your own steam--the results could be disastrous. 

In the same way, when we gamble with the constant spiritual and emotional storms swirling around us, and attempt to weather them on our own terms without being anchored and secured in our relationship with God, we could very well find ourselves blown about, turned upside down and wrecked when they take a rogue turn right for us.

Jesus told a parable once about two men who built houses---one on sand and the other on solid rock.  When the storms of life came, the house on sand was turned to rubble, but the house on the rock stood.  

Storms will come, and some of them are powerful and terrifying.  But (as Jesus taught) if our foundation is God, we will be able to withstand the worst and most punishing winds that blow over us.   

May you spend today and everyday working to ensure that your relationship with God is close, intimate and constant.  May this relationship be your foundation as you heed the words of Jesus and build on the solid rock of God's promises.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.