He
got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the
wind died down and it was completely calm.
- Mark 4:39 (NIV)
Growing up in Iowa, tornadoes weren't uncommon. They were always
scary, but somehow they always seemed to happen somewhere else. Even though we
lived on the edge of what was known as "Tornado Alley," my family was
never personally affected by one of those devastating storms.
Then we moved to Northwest Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service, the path of the most frequent and destructive tornadoes has been shifting eastward. States like Arkansas are now seeing more severe weather than they once did, and unfortunately, we've experienced that firsthand. Over the years, we've had storms that caused considerable damage to our own property.
Last week, another tornado tore through San Antonio, Texas. As I watched the news and saw the images of the destruction, my heart immediately went to several dear friends who live there. Before I knew anything else, I found myself praying. Thankfully, they are all safe.
As relieved as I was, it reminded me of something important. No matter how advanced our weather radar becomes, no matter how many alerts come across our phones, no matter how prepared we are, we cannot control the forecast.
The same is true in life. We can't control a diagnosis, we can't prevent every hardship, we can't stop every storm that comes our way.
We can prepare. We can be wise. We can have a plan. But some storms will still arrive without our permission.
When Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were terrified. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep in the boat. After they woke Him, He simply spoke four words: "Quiet! Be still!" The wind stopped, the waves settled, and peace replaced panic.
I've often wished Jesus would calm every storm in my life that quickly. Sometimes He does, sometimes He calms the storm around us - other times, He calms the fear within us while the storm continues to rage. Either way, His presence is what makes the difference.
Whether we're watching the weather radar, waiting for a phone call from the doctor, or facing some other uncertainty we never saw coming, we can trust that the One who commands the wind and the waves is still in the boat with us.
And somehow... that gives me peace.
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
- Mark 4:39 (NIV)
Then we moved to Northwest Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service, the path of the most frequent and destructive tornadoes has been shifting eastward. States like Arkansas are now seeing more severe weather than they once did, and unfortunately, we've experienced that firsthand. Over the years, we've had storms that caused considerable damage to our own property.
Last week, another tornado tore through San Antonio, Texas. As I watched the news and saw the images of the destruction, my heart immediately went to several dear friends who live there. Before I knew anything else, I found myself praying. Thankfully, they are all safe.
As relieved as I was, it reminded me of something important. No matter how advanced our weather radar becomes, no matter how many alerts come across our phones, no matter how prepared we are, we cannot control the forecast.
The same is true in life. We can't control a diagnosis, we can't prevent every hardship, we can't stop every storm that comes our way.
We can prepare. We can be wise. We can have a plan. But some storms will still arrive without our permission.
When Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were terrified. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep in the boat. After they woke Him, He simply spoke four words: "Quiet! Be still!" The wind stopped, the waves settled, and peace replaced panic.
I've often wished Jesus would calm every storm in my life that quickly. Sometimes He does, sometimes He calms the storm around us - other times, He calms the fear within us while the storm continues to rage. Either way, His presence is what makes the difference.
Whether we're watching the weather radar, waiting for a phone call from the doctor, or facing some other uncertainty we never saw coming, we can trust that the One who commands the wind and the waves is still in the boat with us.
And somehow... that gives me peace.
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
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