Peace in the Storm

The weatherman reports some bad weather for the area including the possibility of tornados for our areas. There have already been reports of tornados in the Nashville, Tennessee area! Since recent Thunderstorms packing tornadoes and hail as big as softballs ripped through eight states, hitting Tennessee the hardest, striking five western counties Sunday and killing 23 people, including an infant and a family of four, this news causes us all great concern. Our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes, and possessions.

Still I am remembering that Jesus was there in the boat with his disciples when severe weather struck in Mark 4:35-38.

Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side."
They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along.
A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening
to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping!
They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that
we're going down?"

His discples were afraid, just like we are when we face the awesome fury of life's storms, but they teach us an important lesson. First, they had Jesus with them in the boat. No matter where we go, we need to have Jesus with us! Since we can't always predict when and where life's storms may strike, having Jesus close by is indispensable. Secondly they thought to cry out to Him for help. Knowing Jesus is there is good but communicating with Him is vital.

Best of all, Jesus is listening. He heard their cry and responded.

Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea,
"Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea
became smooth as glass.

Hey, I just wanted to encourage you today. Whatever storm you may be facing, Jesus is listening and waiting for you to cry out to Him. He is there. Let Him speak peace in the midst of your storm. Have a blessed day.