The Perfect Storm

“They all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” Mark 6:50

It’s hard to believe we’ve already passed the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—the enormous storm that ravaged the Gulf Coast and brought untold damage and destruction. As I have reflected on that unbelievably painful time in our nation’s history, I am deeply encouraged by the fact that so many followers of Jesus left the comforts of their homes across the country and went to the aid of the destitute people in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In a sense, they became Jesus to people in great need. If Jesus were here today, He would want to help the poor and the helpless. In fact, He spent most of His time while He was here doing just that.

Life is full of “Katrinas.” Real-life storms come in all shapes and sizes. Every day, you and I are surrounded by people who are victims—not of hurricanes but of life’s other storms: divorce, addictions, child abuse, cancer, financial ruin, and other devastating surprises that leave despair and hopelessness in their path. And while people lost in pain need a lot of things, what they really need is the hope that only Jesus can give in the midst of the storm. This is not just church talk. Jesus really does bring the light of healing and hope to our dark and desperate circumstances.  

Panicked and in hopeless despair, the disciples found themselves in the worst storm they had ever experienced. They were up against odds far greater than themselves. But breaking through the raging tempest, the voice of Jesus rose above the wind, and they heard these words, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

Jesus brings hope and assurance. He knows what you’re going through; He’s been there (Hebrews 4:15-16). He wants to remind you that you are secure in Him and that nothing will be permitted into your life that will destroy you (1 Corinthians 10:13). What He permits, He will use for His glory and your gain (Romans 8:28; Genesis 15:20). He fully forgives your attitudes or actions that may have caused the storm in your life (1 John 1:9). He promises to give you grace to make it through (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He guarantees that the day is coming when He will take you to a better land where there is no more sorrow or crying (Revelation 21:3-4). He promises as well to deal out justice on those who have hurt, betrayed, and misused you (Romans 12:17-21). And, while He may not still your storm immediately, He guarantees that there is purpose in your pain (James 1:1-5). As one wise teacher says, “He’ll never waste your sorrows.”  

Are you in the middle of a storm in your life today? Wondering how you’ll ever manage to survive this one alive? Wondering if you’ll ever get your family back, or bring peace to your stormy relationship with your mate, or be delivered from your debilitating anxiety? Jesus says to you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

Overwhelmed? Welcome Jesus into your storm.

YOUR JOURNEY…

• Read through all the verses in today’s devotional. Write down how the truth in each verse applies to your situation. Then take whatever action is appropriate to apply that truth to your situation.
• Do you know of someone who is going through a storm? How can you be Jesus to him or her?

• Think back to the last time you felt fear. How did your faith in Jesus influence your reaction to that fear?
• When you feel the foundations of your life threatened by the storm of your circumstances, what can you do to invite the peace of Jesus into your situation?