FACING THE STORMS

      Written by Luz Leigh – 08 January 2008

      This morning the weatherman predicted that a cold front is approaching our area. Ahead of this front there is a line of rain, possibly thundershowers, lightning and wind. It is nice to have those who can predict the weather and inform us to prepare for it.

      Did you know we have a Weatherman who predicts the “storms” in our lives? He provides us with a guide, known as the Holy Bible, to help us get through these storms. In Psalms 55:8 we read “I would hurry to my place of shelter (the Lord), far from the tempest and storm.” Again in Psalms 107:29 we are told what the Lord can do: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” Could this be a prediction of what Jesus would do?

      Our pastor recently spoke about the time the disciples were out in a little ship with Jesus aboard. Jesus was sleeping when a storm came up and began to rock the ship. The disciples knew what to do; they woke Jesus and asked for help. Of course, being human, the disciples first asked Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” What a foolish question! Of course, He cared about them. It is my belief that God sent that storm just to prove to His disciples that no matter how bad the “storm” is, our Lord can handle it. 

      After being awakened from his much needed rest, Jesus went to the deck of the ship and spoke those wonderful words: “Peace, be still.” KJV 

      Other translations say

      “Quiet! Be still!” NIV 

      “Quiet down!” NLT 

      “Hush, be still.” NASB 

      No matter how it is translated, it means the same thing. The Lord spoke; the waves obeyed. My favorite translation is still “Peace, be still.” These references were taken from the Gospel of Mark 5:35-41.

      Once the sea was calm, those disciples who had been with Jesus as he taught, healed, comforted, and encouraged the crowds that followed Him, began to see even more power of the Lord. Jesus spoke to them, asking did they still not have Faith? After witnessing this mighty work, the disciples were terrified, filled with awe, much afraid. Among themselves they asked who this man really was, someone who even the wind and the waves obeyed. Can you imagine how those mean felt after witnessing such a miracle?

      So, when your storms come, do as the disciples did. Run, don’t walk, to the Savior, ask for His help and see what happens. He is still able to calm the storms in your life and mine.