Storms

Right now there is a storm raging in the Caribbean. Weather analysts have been able to track it, but can’t predict what it will do. Will it hover where it is until it runs out of steam? Will it strike Florida? Will it turn north and hit the Carolinas? Or will it turn and move further out into the sea?

It sure is a reminder that man can’t control the wind and the waves. But I know who can. I’m reminded of the time when Jesus was awakened by his frightened disciples who thought their boat was about to perish in the middle of the sea. Jesus rebuked them for their fear and lack of faith, and then proceeded to speak to the elements. The wind and the waves obeyed His voice and became completely calm. You can read the account in Matthew 8:23-27.

I asked myself a couple of days ago if I had the courage and faith to pray that God would calm the present storm. At least turn it away from the land so that it wouldn’t cause the predicted devastation. And in the process please cause men to be aware of the power of God. I prayed along with the members of our Sunday School class that this would  happen. We’ll see. Time will tell.

But what if God doesn’t answer the way I wish He would?  Does it mean He doesn’t care? That I don’t have faith? That it’s beyond His control? No! No! And No! He will choose the outcome. And I will love and trust Him no matter what happens. I can’t begin to understand His ways or His perspective. But I ask Him to keep teaching me more about Himself and keep giving me the gift of faith to keep trusting. It’s a tall order, but He can do it.

Are you consumed with fears today? For yourself? For others? Inner storms come to all of us. They can be worse than the outer ones. Ask God to calm you, by helping you trust Him more. I heard a song recently that says, “Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child.”  Isn’t that a good reminder to each of us?