Today, I spent much of the day in the ER . . . a sudden storm. Storms of life are nearly always surprises. They come without warning. We wake up in the morning expecting a day to be just as we scripted.
Calm.
Sometimes I feel as though I’ve earned a degree in Storms 101. I had to quickly rearrange my thinking today or I could’ve drowned.
Storms of life . . . illness, divorce, unemployment, sorrow. They are inevitable but they pass. . so, we need to ask what we can learn in the eye of the storm.
No other time have we heard of so many natural disasters. Tracking the path of Hurricane Isaac, I think of the elderly, the homeless, those without power needing dialysis and life saving equipment. Despite forecasts and preparations, we still suffer the devastation.
Our lives can be leveled in the same way during difficult circumstances if we’re not prepared by knowing the One who walks over storms.
The Adonai who has power over nature.
When a storm makes landfall on our lives, what can we do? Bail or believe. Bail out of the sinking boat or believe that when God speaks Be Still over our circumstances, it can and will happen.
Commit the storm to His care.
And when we don’t, we become afraid.
That’s what happened to the disciples during a furious storm described in the gospels. After all they heard and witnessed of Jesus’ miracles, their reaction was what many of us ask in the tempest, “God, don’t you care?” I’m sure anyone that has walked this globe has asked the same question as the disciples (and I).
But then . . . He has a question for us, “Where is your faith?” Luke 8:25
Jesus rebuked the disciples in the Storm of Galilee, not for the human tendency to fear, but because they didn’t recognize His presence and power.
The disciples asked, “What kind of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” The God-man who never leaves the boat unattended . . . even when He sleeps.
If He can deliver us from hell, He can deliver us from the adversities of life.
So . . . Thursday’s storm was quite unexpected, but in the middle of the why and the fear there was also Thursday’s grace. . . . another lesson in Storms 101.
God is speaking to Job out of the whirlwind, and saying, “In the sunshine and the warmth you cannot meet me, but in the hurricane and the darkness when wave after wave has swept down and across the soul, you shall see my form and know that your redeemer lives.” Frederick W Robertson (1816-1853)
(Luke 8:22-25, Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 23-27).
Verna
Glenda Mills says
Oh dear friend, the Lord certainly stood up in the midst of your storm and said peace be still. Thank you for this most excellent reminder of the One who rules and reigns over all. Hope you sleep well tonight. Love you.
verna says
Thank you for the covering, dear friend . . . yes, even in a rocky boat, we can know Who stills our surroundings . . .
Glenda Mills says
and calms our hearts and fears, wipes our tears, and puts them in a bottle. Hope to talk with you sometime soon! Love you!
Ruth says
So does this mean you are home & OK?
verna says
It means I’m home (smile) . . . talk with you later. . . .
Cindy G. says
I think it’s safe to say that you’re way past the 100 courses and up to a 400 storm class, if not a masters degree level. Praying for you and yours dear sister!
vernabowman says
. . . and you know this well, dear friend . . . thanks for checking in (and praying) . . .
Wanda says
He is there. Thank you for showing me over the years that this is true – He is there. You, your responses and faithful actions show me that this is true – He is there, always, no matter what.
vernabowman says
Thank you for the encouragement, dear Wanda. . . He is there, no matter how vacant it looks . . . .
Barbara Bocchino says
Thank God you are all right – will continue to pray for you. I agree you are in the masters degree level. You are such a blessing to everyone with your wonderful insight into Gods word.
verna says
Thank you, Barb . . . you’re so special to me . . . I never meant to go after a “degree” . . . but so grateful I received one in Belief!
supergalblog says
Oh Verna, prayers going out! Yes, my friend, you certainly have had more storms than most. But think of what those storms would be were it not for the Lord!
vernabowman says
I just shudder . . . . thank you, sweet storm companion . . .
Hannah S. Hunter says
I was glad to see your response that you are home. A good admonition about the changing. He never changes so when these things come we can only change or break by not bending to His perfection. Love the pictures
verna says
Yes, it’s always nice having a nurse check in . . . thanks, Hannah. Yep, He’s still on the throne and sovereign even when we begin to doubt what’s going on! Unchanging . . .
joanietroester says
Thanks for the great reminder, Verna. I guess we are all taking Storms 101 without signing up for it. It’s amazing that as much “power” as man seems to have, we have NO control over simple water. God created it and controls it… along with those storms designed to remodel our character. I love your posts!
verna says
Yes, I’m thinking of changing my major (smile) . . . yes, man cannot control the weather . . . only the sovereign meteorologist! . . . over nature, and ours . . .
joanietroester says
ps. so glad you’re home and doing well!
Bonnie Pross says
Verna, I had readed in the email pray chain about you in the ER. I hope you are doing OK. now that you are home. God is so good. Les and I will contiune to pray for you both. If you need anything let us know. Love you both.
vernabowman says
Thank you for your concern, Bonnie, and for faithful visits to my blog!
kenswifecarolyn says
Hugs to you, dear friend. You are a beacon to many as you weather the storms. I see His power through your life. Thank you for allowing His light to shine so brightly through you.
vernabowman says
Hugs back to you for caring and the kind comment . . . thanks Carolyn!
Marlene Bagnull says
Praising God that you’re home and again pointing us to the One who calms the storms. Love you – Marlene
verna says
Thank you, Marlene for your continued care and encouragement. Love you, dear friend!
Marlene Bagnull says
Praising God that you’re home and again pointing us to the One who calms the storms. Love you – Marlene
melodylowes says
Beautifully expressed Truth – it is in the midst of the chaos of life that His power is expressed in such potent ways!
vernabowman says
Love your comment, and grateful for your visit, thanks Melody!
melodylowes says
Beautifully expressed Truth – it is in the midst of the chaos of life that His power is expressed in such potent ways!
Diana Leagh Matthews says
Such a wonderful reminder and truth to hang on to. Thank you for sharing, Verna.
verna says
Thanks for stopping by, Lee. . . we need to share those truths with each other just to hang on sometimes, right?
Diana Leagh Matthews says
Such a wonderful reminder and truth to hang on to. Thank you for sharing, Verna.