Storms Coming!

Today on the radar screen there are storms approaching from the south. This is the time of the year in our area when storms are more likely to hit. We have things like "severe storm awareness" week. The schools practice tornado drills. We teach our children what to do in case of a storm. All of these things are done to prepare ourselves for what MIGHT happen.

Jesus' disciples were once in a boat on the water when a great storm hit. They were afraid for their lives and begged Jesus to save them. His answer, "Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith." Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm." (Matthew 8:26 NCV) I like those last two words, "completely calm."

Today there are people who are experiencing storms in life. Couples are struggling in their marriage. A family has lost a mother to cancer. Someone was involved in a car accident. And the list goes on and on.

There is one word that we really desire when storms approach. It is HOPE. Even the sound of that word brings peace. Jesus gives eternal hope. Through His sacrifice on the cross He gave us all the confidence to live with real peace no matter what the circumstances are. Confidence is what the word "hope" means in the Bible. We only need the faith and trust in Him to take us through.

The Psalmist said that even "in the vally of the shadow of death" he would "fear no evil." Why did he make this statement? It was because the shepherd was with him. Take hold of peace today--even in the storm you are facing. That peace is Jesus.

One of the last things He said to His disciples before leaving this world was, "my peace I leave with you." That peace is the comforting power of the Holy Spirit. Claim Him today!!