Washed Away
Florida is well known for its long and varied stretches of beaches. Its coastline is so vast that it’s like driving from Miami, Florida, to Fort Worth, Texas. Putting this in miles, it’s a staggering 1,350 miles from one end to another. As a result, Floridians and visitors worldwide come by the millions to soak in the varied beach experiences.
Whether they prefer the sandy shores of Daytona Beach or living it up on the more than nine miles of activity-filled Miami Beaches, Florida’s coastline provides some of the world’s most picturesque and beautiful views. However, there’s an underlying problem with our beaches, erosion.
While the coastline is considered static, the shoreline is very granular and is constantly changing. According to a 2000 FACT report, beach erosion is one of the most threatening of these changes. For example, a 2021 report by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection stated that more than 426.6 miles of Florida’s shoreline were critically eroded, worn down, or changed to “such a degree that upland development, recreational interests, wildlife habitat, or important cultural resources are threatened or lost.”
The problem is that beach erosion happens slowly over time by natural occurrences such as severe storms or sea-level rise. In addition, human activities like coastal development or construction also contribute to beach erosion. In essence, beach erosion occurs little by little, eventually leading to destructive results.
Scripture teaches us that we, too, are vulnerable to temptation and sin’s ongoing and constant threat. When we let the enemies’ lies wash away God’s truth, our lives will eventually erode, leading to destructive results. However, like the Army Corp of engineers that reinforce the beaches with more sand, we must also strengthen our lives with God’s word, His truth.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Isaiah 40:7-8
The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Pray:
Pray for God to grant you a desire to reinforce your life daily with His word.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.