Day 123

he Storms of Life

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:37-41.

A few years ago at our Fall Retreat we were treated to a boat ride after dinner. The wind was blowing pretty fiercely and it was cool but we decided to go out anyway. By the time we got back it was so windy there were white caps on the lake. I hollered to the back for someone to wake up Jesus so we could make it safely to shore. We were all bundled up in jackets and blankets to keep warm. I think we were all happy to back at the dock by the time the ride was over.

The wind blew and howled all night to the point we got up a couple of times just to look out to make sure there was not a tornado coming. It was a tad unerving.

I began to think of the disciples in the boat during the storm with Jesus sound asleep in the bow of the boat. The storm was raging and they were frightened that they might lose their lives thinking Jesus didn't care. The winds starting sweeping through the narrow surrounding gorge of the Sea of Galilee where violent storms are said to come up all of a sudden just like the storms of life.

The winds were such a reminder of the Holy Spirit as it blew in and surrounded us with His love and mercy. We read the story in Mark 4:35-41. God was reminding us that He was in the storms with us no matter how fiercely it blew. It may sometimes appear like He is asleep when the hurricane force winds blow in on us, but He knows our struggles and often reminds us of His presence. He promises to never leave us, nor forsake us.

All He has to do is speak peace be still and the winds obey His voice. We will often face storms in our lives but will you choose to keep your focus on your Captain? When the waters seem to be crashing in threatening to sink you go to Him in prayer asking for wisdom and to His Word which will be an anchor to your soul.