Shelter From The Storm

Jesus said to the waves, “Quiet!  Be still!  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 

- Mark 4:39

When my 3pm alarm went off today, I was standing on our deck watching a fast moving summer storm close in.  Strong gusts of wind always arrive first.  I scurried around the deck, picking up pillows that had blown off the chairs and into the driveway.  The wind picked up a notch, blowing furniture across the deck into the railing before I could catch it. 

When was the last time you felt out of control in one of life’s powerful storms: a conflict, a job loss, illness, or even death?  I’ll confess that when life is swirling out of control, my first instinct is to flee rather than face the storm head on.   

Jesus and His disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm began to blow and waves began to swamp the boat.  Jesus napped through the chaos.  Despite having seen Jesus perform miracles and be declared by John the Baptist to be the Son of God, the disciples panicked, afraid they were going to drown.  Why were they terrified of the storm if Jesus was with them?

Why are we scared when storms hit our lives?  After all, God promises to always be available.  In Isaiah 41:13 He says, “I the LORD your God keep hold of your right hand.  I say to you, do not fear, I will help you.”  God promises to help us if we just reach out and invite Jesus in to our sinking boats.  

Remember the disciples in the storm: once they asked Jesus to help them, He stood up, spoke, and “the wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass.”  Are you willing to ask God for guidance and protection the next time the waves crash over you and you feel swamped?  He may not stop the storm, but He’ll keep you safe until the winds die down and the sun shines again.

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