Friday, March 15, 2013

Truth from the Storm by Martin Wiles

Thunder, lightning, pelting rain. We were experiencing the year of the storms.

My brother and I and my two children were on an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail. We reached our destination at noon and intended to set up camp and hike a few more packless miles. But our schedule was interrupted by a storm. No sooner had we’d driven the final tent stake into the ground than the rain arrived in sheets. Frightened by the dangerous lightning, we sat crouched in balls in our tents and watched the water pummel by. At the first sign of the rain’s slowing, we dashed for a nearby AT shelter where we huddled for the next several hours.

As Jesus and his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, they too faced a potentially devastating storm. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger (Luke 8:23 NLT).

Life’s storms-in whatever form, are similar. They often surface suddenly. Lay off, divorce, vehicle maintenance, disease, death. Sudden storms can only be anticipated ahead of time by honing our daily faith walk. This aids preparation by building up a trust factor in God.

Comfort in life’s storms comes from accepting and believing in God’s omniscience and omnipotence. Some storms arrive simply because we inhabit a sin-tainted world. Others are allowed or sent by God to further form us into his Son’s image or to get us back on course spiritually. Either way, they are limited by God’s purpose and power.

Storms teach us to trust God’s love. He’ll never allow or bring anything into our life that will destroy us…only what will grow us into the people he desires we be. When life’s storms approach, trust God to carry you through.

Prayer: Omnipotent God, we acknowledge Your control over life’s storms and trust You to bring us safely through.


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