A Perfect Day...A Perfect Storm

It was the beginning of a perfect day, basking in the warmth of the sun. There's nothing quite like feeling as if you are completely immersed in the beauty of your surroundings on the lake, with stately pines and green foliage, cotton-white clouds reflecting in the smooth, glassy water, and the gentle lilting of the boat that brings a smile to your face and a sleepy, easy feeling to your soul.  

But, suddenly, you are jolted awake as a violent windstorm descends. The gale pushes against your boat as waves crash upon the deck. You brace for safety and prayerfully cry out for help.      

(Okay, truth be told. Maybe you're on a paddleboard at a mountain lake, but the wind is strong enough to prevent you from returning to the dock. However, you are able to make it to shore safely and are not in any imminent danger).  

But what if you were in a perilous situation? Imagine if you were in the boat with Jesus and His Disciples. Scripture tells us the plan was to cross to the other side of the lake. However, after setting sail, Jesus falls asleep and a violent windstorm hits. Everyone is filled with fear for their lives, as Jesus remains asleep. You cry out for help. Jesus awakens. He is aware of your fear. You watch in awe as he rebukes the wind and the waves (Luke 8:22-25; Matthew 8:23-27) and calms the waters. And He says to all, "Where is your faith?" 

It is in our nature to fear when our lives feel threatened, just like the situation the Disciples faced. Yet the Lord's instruction is to not fear and to trust in Him. It was a lesson for the Disciples--and it is a  lesson for us, too.

May we turn to Him when the storms arise--whether it's a violent windstorm that threatens our safety--or if it's just being out on a paddleboard in the lake when the wind is too strong for us.  

​A perfect day--and a perfect storm--make for a perfect time to build up our faith in God.    
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