Calm During the Storms

Chuckle: A father told his teenage son that if he brought his grades to a B average, studied the Bible, and got a haircut, then he would talk about the boy using the family car. After six weeks, the dad said to the son, “I’ve noticed your grades are up and you’re studying the Bible. but you haven’t had you hair cut.” The boy said, “Dad, as I studied the Bible, I noticed that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair... and there's strong evidence that even Jesus had long hair.” The dad replied, “Did you also notice that they walked everywhere they went?”

Quote: "O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.” –St Clement

"Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul, you must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'" (Acts 27:23-24 NIV)

Those who sail the high seas are constantly reminded that they are at the mercy of elements totally beyond their control. They prepare to deal with storms as best they can while recognizing and respecting the risks involved. Life is like that. We know storms will come into our lives but God has given us instructions on how to prepare for and deal with them. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV). When we recognize that our lives are in God's hands, and in faith trust Him in all situations, we can enjoy a sense of calmness and peacefulness regardless of the severity of the storms that buffet our lives.

In our passage, we learn that when threatened by severe storms, the sailors and soldiers with Paul were in a state of panic, but Paul's relationship and fellowship with His Lord allowed him as God's servant to remain calm and at peace. God’s promise and Paul’s faith allowed him to remain calm and lead and encourage others.

"Storms" provide the true test of our relationship with God. It is easy to have faith and trust God when we are experiencing smooth sailing, but when the seas of life become rough and threatening, we can be calm because we rely on God's presence and trust in His promise. Can God use your calm and peaceful demeanor to influence others as you pass through the storms in your life?

A hurricane is a storm with cyclonic winds greater than 74 m.p.h. But there is a place of perfect calm in its center -- the eye. So it is with us in the storms of life. With the Lord as our center, there is calm and peace, even during the darkest of times and the severest of storms. Jesus said to his disciples; “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse