Storms of Life

Dearest Ones,

There are two kinds of storms we all must face in life. The followers of Jesus faced a storm when they were in a boat out in the middle of the lake. Out of nowhere a great storm blew against them. They feared for their lives. They felt like they were getting nowhere, as they fought against the waves. We probably won't get caught in the stormy waves of an ocean, but we each have our own storms every day. No matter what you try to do, nothing helps. Maybe its a child going to school and gets picked on, day after day. Or you're an adult and your work is frustrating, or you may even have lost your job.

This kind of storm we all face at some time or another. The daily struggles are the first set of storms. But the second kind of storm may be even worse because it is the storm of doubt. It's when we're temped to think God doesn't care. Thoughts like: He must not know about what I'm going through. He's distant and cold and not even here. In storms of doubt we may fall into despair.

The next time you have an impossible storm in your life, some situation in which there doesn't seem to be any way out, call on Jesus, ask Him to help you walk on the water, like Peter did. You know Jesus is constantly interceding with His Father to get us through the storms. Day and night, He prays for us. Take Him at His word - let Him help you out of the horrible trouble. He can do it. He can do anything. Right now, start with just one major storm in your life - and then give it to Jesus. It's such a relief to let Him take over.

Jesus sends us each out into the storms of life, but then comes to rescue us because He knows we can't survive by ourselves. Next time a storm comes in your life, rather than be discouraged, try to think how great it will be when Jesus comes. Let him rescue you. Without the storms, we wouldn't need Jesus. We may even be able to thank God for storms, as John Newton did. Newton was a cruel slave trader in England in the 17th century. His mother had taught him about Jesus when he was very young, but when she died, he stopped believing. He began using foul language and made fun of those who were trying to lead a good life. Not only was he an evil man but he tried to make others around him evil, too. However, one day when he was on board a slave ship, a terrible storm came up. As the storm got worse and worse and it seemed his ship would sink, he got down on his knees and begged God to save his life. He promised he would believe if he was saved. God did stop the storm and Newton became a great Christian minister. When he preached a sermon, people would come long distances to hear him - his church was packed because he told them how sinful he used to be, until Jesus rescued him. He will always be remembered for composing one of the most popular hymns ever written, "Amazing Grace" - all because of a STORM!

Jesus knew His apostles were going to encounter a storm when he asked them to get into the boat and meet Him on the other side of the lake. Then He allowed the storm to arise. He waited several hours before he came to rescue them. They were tossed around in their little boat until they were discouraged. They spent hours of straining on the oars. Why didn't He come sooner? Don't you feel that way in your life too? In the hardest times of our lives, in our greatest struggles, it often seems we're all alone! But all the time, Jesus is praying for us. He wants to help us. Jesus wants us to find Him in the storms - to learn to trust Him. That's why He waits.

When Jesus comes walking on the water towards them, the Apostles were afraid. Wouldn't you be afraid if you saw someone walking on the water? But brave Peter says, "Lord, Let me walk on the water, too." "OK, walk." Jesus says and He reaches out his hand toward him. Peter started out walking and was doing fine, until all of a sudden he began to be afraid and instead of keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus, he looked down at the deep water - He was so scared he began to sink. He had failed to look up with trust and faith. He tried to stay on top of the water by his own power. Has that ever happened to you? It certainly has to me.

How wonderful to know we have a friend praying for us when we go through hard times. Praying for us during stormy times is Jesus' job.
I pray that you and I will grow through the storms in our family, our faith and throughout our whole life. Read John 17:6-19.

My love and prayers always,
Sister Francelle