Storms of Life

Wow. Have you seen the radar views of the Atlantic Ocean recently? There are three hurricanes spinning red out there: Irma, Jose and Katia - all on the heels of the mighty Harvey that hit Texas!  We happened to be in southern South Carolina and Savannah, GA, when Harvey hit land. I was impressed by the deep compassion expressed for Texas by everyone we talked to. They had been through hurricanes before and they understood the fear, the loss, the physical disaster and lengthy rebuilding process Texans were facing.

We watched the news coverage of Harvey and thought a lot about the area we were in and what it would be like if there was a hurricane. And now sadly, that exact area is in one possible path of Irma. We spent a day touring historic Savannah with its beautiful Southern homes and architecture like the Armstrong House shown below. Their beauty has been preserved since the 1800s, somehow being spared storm damage and a huge city fire.

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Matthew 8:23-27 NIV).

We, too, become fearful when an unexpected storm catches us off guard. The people in Florida and along the eastern coast have been warned that a storm may be coming their way this weekend. They will be prepared and most will take reasonable safety precautions. But others may fall asleep.

Only God can control the oceans and the waves, the winds and the rains. If He does not calm the storm in your life, or in the world, it may be a message we need to hear. We need Jesus, only Jesus, for guidance in this life. No matter how strong we may build our structures, or how securely we protect our possessions, God is in control. These hurricanes may be God reminding us that He is the One we need in our life; and in this country. Everything else is just stuff. May we each refocus our trust in God as we watch His powerful reminders around us.

Lord, bless these readers with confidence in You, the One and Only God of All Creation. Protect those who seek You in their storms and strengthen their trust in You. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Perfect Son to take our punishment for our sin upon the Cross. Amen.