1. THE SOURCE of the Winds.

"He bringeth the wind out of his treasuries" (Psalm 135:7). God permits our adversities as well as our accomplishments.

Winds are of great value if you're out sailing. Winds can be very dangerous on a treacherous mountain climb, "All things (winds included) work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28).

Many times we're tempted to complain if the wind just messes up our hair! I need to remember where the wind comes from.

2. THE STAYING of the Winds.

"He stayeth his rough wind" (Isaiah 27:8). When things get rough we can call on the "author" of the winds. David said, "the Lord was my stay" in the day of his calamity (Psalm 18:18).

God helps us to stay put and face the storm. Learn to STAY on God. Jesus can say to the wind, "Peace, be still."

3. THE SOWING of the Winds.

Hosea 8:7 speaks of those who sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. Paul says "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). We can sow spiritually or carnally, and reap accordingly (Galatians 6:8).

Sometimes we think it's a small wind we stir up Ä and suddenly realize we've taken hold of a tornado. Watch what you sow!

Jonah was just taking a pleasant voyage from the presence of the Lord and ended up in deep water and a smelly call! "The Lord sent out a great wind (Jonah 1:4).

4. THE SHATTERING of the Wind.

Job said, "He breaketh me with a tempest" (Job 9:17). We need to be broken to properly serve God. A wild horse is of no value until he is broken. Rebellious Christians have not been "broken." A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17).

Preachers are no good for God until they've been broken. Missionaries and evangelists do not win souls unless they have a broken heart for souls. Note Paul in Romans 9:1 and 10:1.

5. THE SOURCE of the Wind.

God "gathereth the wind in his fists" (Proverbs 30:4). He lets us "inherit the wind" (Proverbs 11:29) if we trouble our own house with sin, confusion, abuse or rebellion.

And "on the wicked he shall rain a tempest" (Psalm 11:6) if we persist in our rejection of His love and mercy. The wrath of God literally abideth on those who reject Jesus Christ, Jesus Reminds us in John 3:36.

Don't encourage the scourge of God's wind of retribution! When the stormy winds blow, be like Paul in Acts 27 and "Be of good cheer" (verse 22). God can handle the wind and get you safely to the shining shore!

THE REVIVAL ROAD