The Storm: 2020

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:23-25 KJV)

I woke up to lightning and thunder; pouring down rain. Quickly, I ran out in the thick of it to pull my kayak up off of the shore and turn her over so she would not fill up nor float away.

Storms come and they are a wonder to behold. There is nothing man can do about them. We cannot stop them. We cannot stop the rain. At least not the rain that pours down from the sky. The rain brings growth just as the sunshine is needed for growth. But, storms can also bring about much devastation especially if we are not prepared for them.

The world has found itself in a very stormy place this year. The Corona Virus and riots have shut down businesses. Many have lost their livelihoods. Many have lost theirs lives. The virus has shut down schools. It has quarantined elderly and many others so that they cannot live with close connections to others. Can you imagine living your last days, months, and maybe even years without the companionship of those you love. It has also in many ways hampered the ability to share the Good News of God's love for all people. 

This year has brought with it many storms. It has brought devastation. But, we continue with hope and with faith because we know that storms will also bring growth. We do not know what the growth will look like. We just know that Jesus is with us in this storm. He's in the boat with us. In that knowledge alone, we can find calm within ourselves even if the world insists on feeding the storm.

God's Peace - Pr. J.