In Danger of Collapse

This is The Nottawasaga Lighthouse, aka The Collingwood Lighthouse. It is located on Nottawasaga Island in Ontario and it is one of six imperial towers built on Lake Huron by the Canadian government. Erected in 1856, it stands ninety-five feet above shore level. The damaged exterior was caused by several lightning strikes and subsequent water infiltration. Back in 2010 the federal government decided that hundreds of Canada’s unmanned lighthouses were too expensive to maintain. As a result, the tower has not been serviced for many years and it is quickly falling apart. One of its windows recently fell out after the masonry beneath it gave way. This has left a gap which is allowing the elements to enter the tower and accelerate its deterioration. The Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society (NLPS) was formed to raise awareness of the tower’s condition and to help raise the much needed funds to repair and preserve it. In the meantime, they have been able to take several temporary measures, including strapping stabilizing bands around it, in hopes of buying time. Unfortunately, this has not stopped it from crumbling and, worst of all, time is quickly running out. If these damages are left unattended the tower will eventually collapse.

Like the federal government, who decided not to fund the upkeep of the lighthouses because it was too costly, we ourselves are the ones who choose not to invest in (upkeep) our spiritual life because it requires a lot of effort. In other words, it’s costly. Therefore, when the trials of life strike us like lightning we can only handle so much before we start experiencing spiritual deterioration. Secular worldviews begin to infiltrate our minds through the nooks and crannies caused by an unattended Bible study and prayer life. Lack of godly fellowship and counsel causes the windows of our soul to shatter allowing depression to enter and accelerate emotional and spiritual breakdown. We may be able to apply a temporary fix to our situation by saying a prayer here and there, going to church every now and then, and by quoting an inspirational verse every so often. But the truth of the matter is that if we neglect to take care of the damage properly and committedly we will eventually collapse.

Inevitably, the storms of life will hit and in addition to standing strong against them it is equally important to take action once they move away. Any damage caused by the lightning of adversity will need to be taken care of immediately. This, however, is solely the work of the Holy Spirit and we must be willing to let Him do the restoration job. The only way we can stop Him from doing so is by neglecting our spiritual disciplines. As a lighthouse for God, you cannot disregard committed prayer, worship, fellowship, and Bible application and expect to effectively overcome trials, let alone repair any damage you may suffer as a result of them. If you have neglected your spiritual life in any way say the following prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to start reconstructing your tower. If you ignore the situation you will be in danger of collapse. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to stand strong. When the lightning of adversity strikes strengthen my resolve to stay committed to the disciplines that will keep me from spiritual deterioration. May I never hinder the work of your Spirit within me. For He is the only One who can completely restore me and help me to keep shining your light ever so brightly. In Jesus name I pray, amen. 

SCRIPTURES
“Never stop praying.” -1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” -Proverbs 15:22 (KJB)

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” -1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

-All Scripture is quoted from the NIV except where specified.