Waiting Out the Storm

Our area has been hard hit by epic storms for the last couple of days. Over 200 people have died in incidents relating to the tornadoes, hail, and winds that resulted from those storms. That count could climb as search and rescue efforts continue today. Many people spent much of last night hunkered down in a safe room or closet in their homes, anxiously watching the news or listening to the radio to have as much warning as possible. Media coverage of the places that had direct hits from tornadoes shows devastation. Several counties in the area had to close schools because of damage or impassable roads.

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’” (Matthew 8:23-27, NIV)

Just like the disciples, our first reaction to the storms in our lives is usually fear, whether physical storms outside or emotional storms inside. How many times have I cried out in fear, “Lord, save me!” Sadly, many times I say that, and again, like the disciples, I don’t really believe that He WILL save me. I smile at the disciples’ amazement, yet I know that I would be right there with them. “Lord, I don’t really know if you CAN save me, but I’m asking anyway.”

Jesus had just healed many people. He had cast out demons. He was tired, and used this trip with His followers to “catch up” a little. Yet, when they needed Him, He met that need. I have always thought it interesting that He rebuked the winds and the waves, and not His disciples. They had already spent time with Him, listening to His teaching, watching as He healed so many people. Surely, they had evidence by now that He was from God. Yet instead of sternly admonishing them, He quietly asks why they are so afraid.

That is still a valid question. Why AM I so afraid? Why do the storms in my life goad me into panic? My God is so much bigger than anything that can happen here on this earth. He is bigger than the F3 tornado that caused so much damage. He is bigger than the abuse in my past that I thought was going to destroy me. He is bigger than any heartache, any physical pain, or any fear.

I suppose that fear is part of the human condition. As long as there are storms of any kind, there will be fear. Praise God that even though I experience fear, I don’t have to live there forever. I can choose to trust Him to calm my storms, even if I am afraid. Maybe that should read, “Especially if I am afraid.”