"If you don't like the weather in Missouri, stick around--it's sure to change!" That's what oldtimers will tell you, for whether it's ice storms or tornadoes, high humidity or freezing cold, it's gonna change!
Well, this morning is gorgeous...the other night (well, one night last YEAR!) it was gorgeous to ME--'cause I love a good storm! Streaks of lightning, roaring thunder...wonders from heaven...and I open the bedroom drapes for a better view through the sliding glass door...wow...it is spectacular!
Now I know I'm weird, but some of you are too--and love the unfolding drama of a storm just like I do--as long as you're inside, safe, and dry! Like Peter, James and John, would have preferred to be that day--out in the lake in the middle of a storm, and scared to death! There was no "scenic moment," and no cell phone to call shore for help--but ALL there was--was enough! For you know the story! Jesus, asleep in the boat, was awakened to the cries of the frightened fishermen, calmly arose, and--how did HE handle the storm?
No problem! He stood up, commanded the winds and the waves to be still--and they obeyed. Then with a mild but loving rebuke, He says, "O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?" Now, of course, great people of faith and power that we are, we would have been strong, brave, ready to take on any storm in the Name of the Lord...right? WRONG! We're just as human as those disciples--and THAT'S why this story is included in God's Word. He knew that somewhere down our path in the sea, we'd need to also know His peace, His power, His purpose...so listen up!
Stormy weather around you today? Stormy weather of the SOUL, that is--well, this is for you! The same peace He called to the waves, He calls to YOUR heart. The same power that calmed the sea will calm YOUR soul--and the same purpose He had in mind for the fishermen, He has in mind for YOU...that you might learn to trust Him in the storms of life and know His peace.
Believe it--appropriate it--and the Creator, Sustainer and Subsider of the winds and the waves will be with you THIS day, whatever the storm. He's still God in the storm--and He's YOUR God forevermore!
Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word
"Be still, and know that I am God... (Psalm 46:10)."
Draw from the Well--a prayer for renewing strength for this day
"Lord, the winds are howling, the waves are crashing against my little boat in the middle of the sea. Come to my rescue, but even more than that, speak peace to my soul, calm to my spirit, rest to my mind--I need Your grace this day, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
