Our time in the park began with these words from Matthew 7:24-27—“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

The volunteer leading the devotion shared that as she meditated on these verses, she realized that all people have the same choice, and this choice leads to two outcomes: either a firm foundation in Christ or total destruction. Most of those we serve have heard the gospel, and many are more knowledgeable about God’s Word than I am. However, just as our volunteer shared this morning, knowledge isn’t enough. We must choose to believe Christ and accept His salvation. It is through acceptance that true transformation comes.

One man with whom I spoke this morning shared that he is totally overwhelmed at the circumstances of his life. His despair seemed insurmountable. My heart broke for him! Through the power of the Spirit (certainly not my own ability), I shared with him about the peace that is available to those who know Christ as Savior. My prayer is that he will find rest in the Lord, the Rock of Ages. Does this mean his life will automatically be perfect? Absolutely not. However it does mean that he will no longer face the storms of life alone. God is always faithful! Jeremiah 29:11 is an awesome promise God makes to His children: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope.’ ”

Please pray that this man will come to trust the Lord and that he will be encouraged by our Abba Father.