There is a scripture in the book of Luke, which talks about how Jesus calmed the sea during raging waters. It says, "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. 25 "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 8:22-39
These raging waters, storms are still coming into our lives; and the Master is still in the business of calming the raging waters down in our lives.
I remember years ago, my youngest son kept taking my car keys and driving my car without permission. He was in high school, and was not yet old enough to get his driver's license. Later on, I learned how he and his friends would push the car out of the drive way so we wouldn't hear it when it was started up. And they would go where they wanted to go.
It worked most of the time, but there were several occasions, when he got caught by the police, and I would have to go and retrieve my car from wherever it had been towed. And that's when my nightmares began. It feels really bad when your child is arrested, and though it wasn't major, it was still very hard and painful to deal with as a parent.
But after it happened enough times, I began to turn the matter over to the Master, and I asked Him to please look after my son, to help him through these young years; allow him to become a man and become a man who can take care of himself.
Then, I left it alone, started to get some sleep, and today, he's working, saving his money to buy his own car, and helps his mother out, without me even asking him.
God helps us through the storms of life, even those problems you face today; God can and will take care of you.
How many of you have flown on an airplane, and watched the plane fly directly into thick, puffy clouds? Oftentimes, planes fly through various inclement weather conditions, only to emerge in clear, blue skies; and the sun is shining bright. It feels good when we fly above the clouds, no more raging storms.
Well that's what we must do in our daily lives; live in the spirit. Your body may be here on earth and the storms of life all around you – hurling you in one direction and then another, but we must all continue to walk in the spirit at all times – in every moment. Then, will our spirits be lifted above the clouds, where we see the sun shining brightly, no matter what's happening.
It is only when we focus on the problem that is currently facing us, that we see the storms of life. When we do that we allow those violent tornadoes to cast us about or we get caught in the eye of the storm – a distraction that prevents us from remembering that God is in charge.
How many of you have seen the artist rendering of a man walking peacefully through a dangerous storm. It is our reminder that it is Jesus who can keep us calm, through the storms of life.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23 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."
Lyndia Grant is a writer and radio talk show host who lives in the Washington metropolitan area. Contact her with comments at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 202 518 3192.