In the midst of preparing for the unprecedented storm that appears to be making landfall in the next couple of days, it is important to remember that our Lord is with us through every storm of life. As were were preparing for bed last night my youngest son expressed his fears about the pending storm. He asked why wouldn’t God just send the storm away? I did my best to explain that He is certainly able and might possibly do that. We recalled the miraculous ‘bobble’ that last year’s Hurricane Matthew experienced prior to making landfall. While the damage was great, it could have been much worse. We also experienced numerous manifestations of His grace and mercy in the days following that storm.
Jesus’ apostles in Mark 4 were in the midst of of a perilous storm. Where was Jesus as their vessel began to take on water? He was ASLEEP and they were incredulous! Can you imagine the thoughts that ran through their mind in the midst of their crises? “We have the Son of God with us and He is totally unconcerned about our plight!” “Why is He allowing this to happen to us? We are his apostles!” “Why doesn’t He bring a stop to all of this right now!”
Truthfully, we all have such questions in times of trouble. How did the Savior respond to the storm of Mark 4? Simply stated, He acted at the perfect time; His time. The sovereign ruler of the universe spoke precisely at the right time and the winds and waves obeyed His will.
I tried to offer a cogent explanation to console my son. I explained that we live in a world corrupted by sin. Adam’s transgression affected every part of earth, thus causing destructive weather patterns that oftentimes threaten humanity. This was not God’s plan for His creation, but a result of the judgement of sin and death being placed on mankind. While true, this offered little consolation to his six year old mind.
What did offer comfort was the reminder that our Lord is in control. As long as we are on this planet we will battle fierce storms; some without and some within. God has blessed us with common sense to prepare for these storms, but we understand that there comes a point in all trials that we must exercise faith and cast our cares on the One who speaks, “Peace be still.”
Friends, our Lord is always on time. He may not act when or where we think is best, but He knows what is best for His people. He might still turn this storm away from us (He is indeed able), but if He doesn’t we can trust that will provide sufficient grace for us in whatever the aftermath may be.
Lord increase our faith!
Blessings, MG
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