Last night I arrived home from work and my wife, Pamela, wanted to go for a walk. Almost immediately after she asked this, a boom of thunder could be heard. So much for our walk tonight. However, there was an alternative. We decided to drive down to Lake Michigan and watch the storm come across the lake.
We arrived at the lake within 5 minutes and prepared to watch this awesome storm come in. However, when we arrived, the pouring rain had turned to a drizzle and the dark clouds had become light. The storm was over and we missed most of it.
While the rain and darkness had passed us by, there was still quite a wind on the lake and we were pleased to see two kite boarders take advantage of the wind. They were able to gain quite a bit of speed and do some impressive aerial tricks. Another brave soul had brought his kayak out to the lake and paddled out into the water. His skill and strength were amazing as he battled and overcame waves that were 5-10 feet tall and crashing towards him.
This made me think of the storms of our lives. We often grumble and complain when we face difficulties. We try to guard ourselves and avoid the storms in our life.
In Mark 4:37-39, the bible describes how Jesus handled a storm that he and his disciples faced: And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he [Jesus] 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.
This passage really speaks to me. There’s this raging storm happening and Jesus and his disciples are out at sea. The disciples are scared and panicking. Where is Jesus during this? He’s asleep in the ship. He’s not worried, he’s calm, he’s taking a nap. Do you wish that you could have this kind of peace during your storms? It’s possible. Here’s some tips on getting through your storms:
1. Sleep On It: Take notice of what Jesus was doing during this storm. He was stretched out on a bed or maybe he was curled up. But he was sleeping. Sometimes the storms in our life can be “slept” through. It may be rough at times, but it may be because you need to rest.
2. Speak To It: When the disciples had gone down and woken Jesus, He went up to the sea and spoke to it. He told the sea “Peace, be still” and the storm stopped. Jesus has given us this same authority. Remember, there is life and death in our tongues.
3. Know Who Controls It: Jesus knew who controlled the seas and weather. God is still here and He’s still the master. Let Him do His work. You’ll come out stronger from the storm.
Now, get out there and enjoy the ride that the storms of our lives can give us. Someday you may look back and realize that you missed out on great things because you were worried about a few crashing waves and booms of thunder.
QUESTION: How have you fared during the storms of your life? Were you able to face it with peace like Jesus or did you panic like the disciples?
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