23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 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.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27
We just had a storm move through our area. A snow storm. A mixture of freezing rain, snow, and then more freezing rain was causing havoc in our area with flat tires, and lots of cars in ditches as people underestimate the power of nature and drive as though it were just an ordinary day. The storm isn't permanent much to the chagrin of our school children who yearn to hear those magic words on our beloved WCCO, " all schools in Anoka County are closed". As I write these words I look out and see the snowplow clearing the road in front of our house.
I have this image from Matthew 8. I am standing in this large boat with my family. We're enjoying the afternoon on a clear, pristine day until dark clouds move in from the west and we begin to feel the boat toss and turn larger and larger waves. I panic and I worried that we're not going to make it out the storm and we will end up being fish food. Then I see the savior standing on the shoreline. He sees my family with the worried looks of despair on our faces. He begins walking on the water toward us until He steps in our boat. Like a seasoned captain He takes the helm and guides us to the safety of the shoreline.
That was exactly what the Savior did for my family when Maria passed away suddenly on June 10, 2007. He came into our boat and rode with us through the storm until we reach safety. I can honestly say that we have been to the bottom. There is nothing more painful than a sudden, unexpected death. In our despair God took each of my family and helped them with their grief and made each of them stronger and more resilient in the end.
That is God's promise to you. If and when you enter the storm of your life God promises to take the helm of your boat and guide you to safety. Now that is the assurance you can hang onto.
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