In the Storms

The LORD called you a thriving olive tree with fruit beautiful in form. But with the roar of a mighty storm he will set it on fire, and its branches will be broken. (Jeremiah 11:16 niv)

When pressed by the force of the storms, who may stand? When the strength we build of our own hands holds no more power than a leaf in the wind, it is time to lean on another.

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." (Luke 8:22-25 niv)

We are quick to blame God in times of distress, but slow to trust in His strength. It is in the storms that we realize the true power of God. His hands stir the wind just as they calm the sea. He calls us, proving our pride as false, so that we might know Him alone as God.