Enduring the Storms

 

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. (Proverbs 10:23–25 ESV).

 

I am writing this installment of Morning Devotionals on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026. Honestly, my motivation was to get one more cup of coffee before I begin my fasting at 10:30 am in preparation for another heart catheterization this afternoon. It seems like I ought to be a bit more concerned about the procedure than one more cup of coffee, after all, they are going to run a slim cable into my heart through the arteries to determine why I have been having some difficulties. It is not my first experience, but that is not the calming influence facing possible heart/arterial disease. I am doing all I can do to get a good result; however, God is ultimately in control of all of it. So, a cup of coffee and writing seemed to be my best activity for now.

 

My thoughts in the theme of wisdom brought me to our reading today. The New Living Translation has a slightly different translation of the last verse: “When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” There is no doubt about the coming of “storms” in our life. We all go through trials in life. They may be health trials, relationship trials, financial trials, or emotional trials, but all of our hardships and difficulties end up being spiritual trials as well. This is the place when wisdom leads us to the graceful, powerful provision of God.

 

As I have already written, Scripture never promises that we will be able to go through life without encountering storms and setbacks. There is no promise that life will be easy, or simple, or smooth sailing. Nevertheless, God promises to be with us always. Through the storms of life he will be our protector. He is always reminding us that “He’s got this!” Jesus taught that whoever follows his teaching is “like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-27): when a heavy storm came, the house did not fall; it was built on a solid foundation. Similarly, Proverbs calls us to build our lives on wisdom and righteousness—that is, having a right relationship with God. When we do that, we will have God as our foundation, we can stand firm, trusting that our destiny is safe in his hands. So, when trials come, do what you know to do, then have a cup of coffee and relax… God is holding us safe eternally in His hand!