"So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was in the boat. And other boats were with Him. A great windstorm arose." Mark 4:36,37
In the early morning hours of April 27, 2011, I found myself along with Dana sitting on the floor of his walk-in closet. Just before this took place we were awaken by the sound of the weather alert going off. We knew by the sound of the wind and rain that this was going to be a bad one. We nestled down and began praying fervently for our safety and that of our children and family and neighbors all around.
At this time in our lives our boys did not live at home with us. Cameron was managing a sporting goods store about 70 miles away and Corey was in college about 120 miles in the opposite direction. We felt helpless as parents with our children being so far away and not being able to call them down from their rooms to join us in our safe spot. We prayed.
The winds got so bad it sounded as if our roof was being pulled up off of every nail that held it down. There were thumps and bumps that were hitting our house from all directions. We prayed.
As the first storm dissipated and we got a short reprieve from the closet the weather reports were warning us to take cover again for the second wave would be worse. So we did...take cover that is. I was scared. I prayed though I was fearful. I prayed for my fear in knowing I needed more faith. It was a fear of not being in control. Something so much stronger was directing our path for that day. Something out of control was threatening my families security and safety. We didn't know how it would end or when it would end. So...we prayed.
In this scripture it reminded me of this day not so long ago. I don't think I have ever realized part of this verse, "and other boats were with Him". I thought all this time that it was Jesus and His disciples out on the water alone during this storm, but there were other boats trailing along with Him, in their own boats, right in the middle of the storm wrecked waters.
We are all in different boats, sailing different paths, facing the storms that come our way. When I read the above scripture it reminds me that when we follow Christ, He does not steer us clear of storms. He simply calls us to follow Him and to have faith in every season of our life. He doesn't protect us from the tribulations we come against but through those He teaches us faith. And when Jesus speaks to the storms in our lives, showing us His authority over everything, others are around watching and being touched by our response to our heavenly Father as they face their own storms. Our prayers are affecting others lives as well as ours.
Following Jesus is not always easy and calm, but when He shows His strength in the midst of the storm His power is felt by all that seek Him.
In the eye of the storm,
You remain in control
And in the middle of the war,
You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor,
When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me
In the eye of the storm.
-Eye of the Storm-
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Strengthen me when I am weak. And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face I will find my peace in Jesus' name. I trust You, Lord. Amen.