Storms

When the storms of life are raging,

Stand by me (repeat)

When the world is tossing me,

Like a ship out on the sea,

Thou who rulest wind and water,

Stand by me (Song “Stand By Me” by Elvis Presley)

I was out for a bike ride when a storm came up.  I knew it was coming.  There had been predictions of time and severity all morning.  I watched the clouds forming all afternoon.  I could smell the impending rain on the gusty wind that was pushing me away from home faster than I ever thought possible.  Exhilarated by the pace, and thinking that I could beat it, I did another ten miles – in the wrong direction.

Finally, I turned around, only to face reality.  The wind was fierce and halfway home the rain started painfully pelting my face.  With legs pumping furiously, lungs nearly bursting, and lightning flashing all around, I raced home.  With just a few miles to go, the sky exploded with a vicious torrent of rain.  For some inexplicable reason, I often put myself through situations that I perceive to be little mini tests of courage and stamina – or maybe it’s just stupidity and recklessness?  I guess it depends on your perspective. 

We all face storms in life.  A dark spot shows up on an x-ray.  A lay-off notice lands on our desk.  A trust gets broken.  Some of us are currently in the process of watching storm clouds gather.  We see danger signs in our relationships, our finances, or some other vital area.  Despite all the warnings, we often fail to heed them.  From time to time, we accomplish our business safely.   At other times, we have to ride through a deluge in order to complete our mission.

On the subject of difficult times, Max Lucado writes in his book, The Eye of the Storm, “Take heart!  Jesus knows how you feel.  Jesus begins his morning (Matthew 14:13) by hearing about the death of his best friend, ministry partner, and first cousin, John the Baptist.  The man who was seemingly closer to Jesus that any other was dead.”

When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew privately by boat to a solitary place.  He wanted to be alone and grieve, but we read that the crowds followed Him – thousands of them. 

Then, despite His personal pain, “Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14).  It is important to note here that the scripture says, Jesus healed “the sick” – not just the righteous ones, or a more deserving few.  He healed ALL who needed it. 

Without exception, each of us faces storms of one kind or another.  The good news is that Jesus still has the same compassion today.  He is never too tired or too busy to offer comfort and healing to your broken spirit.  Those who follow Him are able to find help in the middle of any storm.  My prayer this week is for everyone to have the realization that He is standing nearby, ready to help. 

With love,

Pastor Mike Howard