NAVIGATING THE STORMS OF LIFE

Imagine the following scenario:

You've just received boarding passes for that long-awaited 10-day family cruise to an exotic Pacific island getaway. After verifying and locating your cabin assignment, you unlock the door, breathing deeply, all the while contemplating the reality and excitement of your impending adventure.

In keeping with your expectations, a banquet-like spread awaits your dining pleasure. Activity abounds and the fun-in-the-sun is non-stop. Two days into the cruise, you're still in awe of your continued good fortune. How could life posssibly be better? And then it happens.

Ominous black clouds begin to form on the horizon. An unexpected announcement interrupts the merriment: "Ladies and gentlemen, the ship is heading into the path of a potentially dangerous storm. Everyone please return to your cabins and secure your belongings, as a precautionary measure. There is no need to panic, as the captain and his crew will have everything under control."

Just as you finish reassuring those in your party that there's nothing to worry about, another announcement follows: "Ladies and gentlemen, we seem to have misplaced the captain, and are awaiting further instructions from him. We will keep you posted of further developments. Again, there is no reason to panic."

Although the above illustration is admittedly a bit exaggerated, how would you have reacted to the captain's unexplained disappearance in a time of great need?

According to one gospel account, Jesus' disciples faced a similar situation. On an otherwise normal seafaring trip, a storm threatened their security. Naturally, fear overtook them, causing them to summon Him for help. Finding their leader asleep, they questioned his lack of concern for their safety. Couldn't He have done something to avoid the storm? With three simple words, "Peace, be still!" the storm abated.

Have you had any storms interrupt your life lately? If you haven't, you will. And when your storm comes, you can either focus on how severe the storm is, or you can focus on the God who has promised to be with you through it.

Just remember: The presence of a storm doesn't mean the absence of God.