Rain! Precious rain! We have gone weeks without rain that was so desperately needed for the plants, flowers and vegetables just planted. A few times there has been a forecast of rain, but only a few drops actually fell. But this week we have had the rains we desperately needed, but we haven't just had rain; we have had storms! Today the weather app said, "Severe thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds tomorrow. Have a plan and be prepared." Be prepared? Take in anything that might blow around Cover any delicate or vulnerable plants. Have a protected place where you can go if the storms change their character. Have water and snacks there. Have a cell phone charged. In other words, have a plan and follow through.
These are actual storms we can expect, but life brings us different kinds of storms, emotional ones, spiritual ones, physical storms involving our bodies or those of our dear ones. So do you have a plan? Do you know what to do when the storms hit? You cannot prevent the storms, but you can have peace in the storm.
"As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, 'Let's cross to the other side of the lake.' So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (though other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, 'Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?' When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, 'Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, 'Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?' The disciples were absolutely terrified. 'Who is this man?' they asked each other. 'Even the wind and the waves obey Him!' " (Mark 4:35-41 NLT)
Here was an actual storm with Jesus' physical presence. There was an immediate physical peace. So think about it. First, there were other boats with them. The disciples were not the only ones affected by this particular storm. Their response to the storm was not the only response. They should have had a better response than those in the other little boats. They had been with Jesus. They had heard His teaching and had been able to ask questions for clarification of His words. But out on the water, they showed their lack of faith. But when Jesus calmed the storm, the passengers in those boats benefited too.
I have storms, as do you. In the last two weeks two long time friends, one a friend of thirty years and one a friend for fifty years, have gone to Heaven. I am grieving the loss of their company here, the loss of the sound of their voice, the memories we have shared, the places we will not go again. So many things. And I am not the only one grieving. There are others in the little boats--family members and other friends. Their little boats are also in the storm. They, too, need to hear the words of peace.
How do we have a plan about our personal storms? Prayer, yes, a first response. Then Scripture. I think the time spent memorizing and meditating on the Word is like having a bandaid in the medicine cabinet. You slap it on to stop the bleeding, and then go to the emergency room for further treatment. I could relate the times God has prepared me for what was coming and I immediately recognized it. God prepared me for the storm. After the initial storm had passed, I could go dig deeper for what I needed. Recognize too how important friends are in helping you through the storms of life. Sharing memories and stories help us get through the storms. One last thing, for me, gardening is a way to handle my storms. Working in the yard is therapy for me. You, too, need a plan for the storms that will come.
Jesus spoke peace to me in John 14:27, (ASV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." Are you troubled? Are you fearful? About your family? About finances? About surgery or other physical issues? About losing friends and family? He has peace available. Just reach out and take it.
It's available. Peace in the midst of the storm.
~~Faith Himes Lamb
Master, The Tempest is Raging
Yes!
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