Friday, March 2, 2012

In The Storm, Cling To The Savior

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” -- Matthew 14:27

The warning sirens preceded the ominous clouds off to the southwest. My dog and I hurried toward the house. Raindrops began to fall as I reached the backdoor.

Inside, my parents seemed oblivious to the darkening sky. The game show blared as I yelled for them to turn the television to the news. They hadn’t heard the sirens and the weather radios were upstairs. A tornado had already touched down in the neighboring county and it was headed our way.

We were fortunate that time. Not only did the tornado go north of us, but no one died. It isn’t always that way. In fact, more and more it seems that loss of life goes along with destruction of property. It’s just scary.

On that night so long ago, the disciples were afraid too. They were on a boat when a strong wind arose and, along with it, heavy waves. They saw Jesus walking on the water and thought He was a ghost. The Bible tells us they screamed in terror.

Then Jesus’ voice came to them, calming them. He was there with them. Jesus is with us, here in the midst of these storms that threaten us in the night. I am grateful because I am afraid when the rain pelts down and the wind howls its fury.

Life can be that way sometimes. Everything is going along just fine and suddenly the world as you know it crashes down around you. Nothing is the same and you can’t make sense of it all. And you’re afraid of the unknown that awaits every new minute.

Jesus is there. In those moments when everything is uncertain and you don’t know what to do or where to turn. He reaches out to take your hand. A safe haven in the storm of life.

It comes down to faith. Do you trust Jesus to carry you through the storm? Peter walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the high waves. He was terrified and started to sink.

Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. “You don’t have much faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. -- Matthew 14:31-32

When the storms of life howl around you, cling to the Savior and you’ll be safe.