the east coast of the US and Canada. The warnings ahead of its arrival prompted a
frenzy of activity at stores everywhere as people scrambled to prepare for this epic storm
that was bearing down on them. The thing that I find odd is why aren't people prepared
in the winter for the possible storms that could strike, instead of waiting until the last
minute to stock up on essentials that they will need. Everyone should always have on
hand batteries, toilet paper, candles, bottled water and food supplies, especially when you
live in a region where storms like this are possible.
As Christians living in a land that is "storm" riddled, are you prepared? Or do you wait
until a storm hits, then flounder around trying to find the necessary resources to see you
safely through? The storms in our lives are allowed by God to make us into a stronger,
more vibrant testimony of His sustaining grace, love and power; and to deepen our own
faith and trust in His divine guidance and care for us. The storms may take us by surprise,
but not God.
Mark 4:35 & 36 "And the same day, when the even was come, He (Jesus) saith unto
them, (disciples) Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away
the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him
other little ships."
The Lord Jesus knew when He suggested setting sail that night that they would be engulfed
in a violent storm. However please note one very important thing...Jesus was with them.
He did not send them off by themselves to face this danger, He stayed right there in the
boat with them!
Mark 4:37 & 38 "And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into
the ship, so that it was now full. And He (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship,
asleep on a pillow; and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou
not that we perish?"
Don't think for one moment that Jesus didn't know what was going on, He knew. The
disciples panicked in this storm; watching the waves engulf the ship, their first thought
was that the Lord didn't care for them. Don't judge them too harshly for this because
isn't this is our first reaction many times to the storms that we find ourselves in. The
waves of despair, anguish, pain, and hopelessness flood into our lives and we immediately
accuse the Lord of not caring for us!
Mark 4:39 - 41 "And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
Peace, be still. and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto
them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared
exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey Him?"
Sometimes in the midst of a blustery storm that is whipping us unmercifully around,
we spend all our energy trying to hang on instead of calling on the One who can calm
it! He who created the storm, has the power over the storm. However, there might be
times when He allows the storm to continue for a while. This is when we have to remember
to do what ships do in a storm...drop anchor and just wait it out. That anchor will keep you
from drifting...that anchor is Christ! Hebrews 6:19 "Which hope we have as an anchor
of the soul, both sure and stedfast,"
Are you prepared? Are you equipped with what you need to endure the storms of life
...faith? Or is the Lord saying to you today, "Why are ye so fearful?" Remember, we
have the presence of Christ, the One who cares for us, He is with us always. Don't despair,
trust the One who has the power over every storm, the One who can bring the calm to your
fearful and trembling soul.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDuTALRGxu8
Master, The Tempest Is Raging
Master, the tempest is raging, the billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'er shadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou be asleep,
When each moment so madly is threat'ning a grave in the angry deep?
Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled, O waken and save I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul!
And I perish, I perish dear Master, O hasten and take control!
Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest;
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer, leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor, and rest on the blissful shore.
The winds and waves shall obey Thy will, Peace by still!
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,
Or demons, or men, or whatever it be,
No water can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace be still, peace be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will; peace, peace, be still!
Mary A. Baker
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