A Stormy "Tail"

A Stormy "Tail" Our family dog really dislikes thunderstorms. He becomes a completely different dog...scurrying for cover underneath anything that he things will provided an added level of protection from the storm. His tail disappears. We call it his "stormy tail"! And when the thunder subsides, the usual cool, collected family pet emerges, stormy tail disappearing, replaced by a wagging tail, happy go lucky, as if nothing had happened. If only you and I could weather life's storms like that. We sometimes come out battered and bruised, stunned, disoriented left with a bunch of broken pieces to mend. In today's reading (Mark 4:35-51), we read about Jesus calming the storm. Following a full day of teaching, Jesus and His disciples get in a boat, and sail across the Sea of Galilee. A windstorm suddenly arises, waves crash into the boat. Jesus is awakened by the disciples who are fearful that their lives are in danger. Jesus calms the storms, reminds the disciples about their lack of faith. And the disciples are amazed by what Jesus does. (me too!) This story reminds us that you and I are not exempt from storms that arise in our lives. We live in a world where there are many storms. Literal storms such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires. Figurative storms such as sickness, accidents, disappointments, death. Being one of God's children doesn't exempt any of us from all that this earthly life throws at us. Jesus warns us that we will experience trouble in our lives (John 16:33). When we find ourselves in the midst of storms, whether literal, or figurative, whether its because we are simply humans, or because we are children of God, do not think it is strange. Instead, take heart knowing that Jesus helps us deal with storms. If we feel afraid, we need to grow in faith; faith that God will protect us if it is His will; faith that God will deliver us to heaven even if we die. In the midst of storms, turn to His word: His words prepare us to withstand the storms of life. In the midst of storms, turn of Jesus through prayer: Jesus is the key to receiving mercy and grace to help in times of need; God offers peace to guard our hearts and minds through prayer. In the midst of storms, remember Jesus sacrifice: the greatest "storm" all of us will face will be the Day of Judgement, a day in which we will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Jesus shed His blood to spare us on that day. By obeying the gospel, our names are added to the book of life, and we can escape condemnation for our sins. Each and every one of us will face storms in our lives. Literal storms, figurative storms. As children of God, or not, we are all susceptible to all life throws at us. It's how we react that's important: will we cry out like the disciples who were weak in faith, or shall we weather the storms with confidence and calmness? And how shall we stand when the final storm comes...the Day of Judgement. Will we here those wonderful words from Jesus: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you" Matthew 25:34. Or will be hear Him say: "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41 Going deeper: 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5 Psalm 133 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41