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Boundaries

"I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it." (Jeremiah 5:22 NIV)

I was talking to a friend yesterday, she's getting ready to turn 93. She has been following Jesus since she was 12. Her whole life has been devoted to serving God. She said some young people asked her if she had missed out on anything following God. Her response will stick with me for the rest of my life. She said, "I missed out on one thing. I paused and waited. Finally one of them asked me, 'what was that?' I told them, I missed out on one thing; heartache."

For what happens when the sea crosses the sand with the wind and storms? Heartache. Devastation. Loss. Sadness. Death.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV)

Just like God gave the sea a boundary, he gave us boundaries. Boundaries for our lives and our relationships. To protect and guard our hearts and minds.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

For what happens when we cross the boundaries God gave us? When we break our vows? When we fail to forgive? When we don't live and love according to His word? Heartache.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27)

Adhering to God's boundaries doesn't mean the storms and waves of life won't come and beat against your house. Just like with the changing of the tide, troubles will come, chaos will swirl around us like raging of the waves, but in Christ, behind his boundaries, God will be your sure footing, your firm foundation, your support in times of trouble.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)

May I get to 93 and my only heartaches be those of my youth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Portner-Shillingburg

Sarah is a single mom of three active boys. She grew up in the hills of West Virginia, and loves to spend her time outside exploring God's creation with her boys.