A Perfect Storm

Read: Mark 4:35-41

They feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him! --- Mark 4:41

The Bible In One Year:
Job 5-7
Acts 8:1-25

In his book A Perfect Storm, author Sebastian Junger reports astonishing facts about the power of a hurricane: "A mature hurricane is by far the most powerful event on earth; the combined nuclear arsenals of the United States and the former Soviet Union don't contain enough energy to keep a hurricane going for one day. A typical hurricane ... could provide all the electric power needed by the United States for three or four years."

Seafarers encounter diverse weather conditions. But those who experience a severe storm have one emotion in common --- fear. Mark 4:35-41 records a glae that threatened the boat carrying Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee. In a panic, the disciples awakened Jesus. He calmly rebuked the wind and sea by saying, "Peace, be still!" [literally "hush"] as if He were quieting an agitated child [v.39]. Immediately, the gale stopped and the water became inexplicably placid. The disciples asked, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" [v.41].

Do you feel as if your life's circumstances are a mighty storm? Look at the God-man Jesus Christ, who has authority over heaven and earth. He will give you the strength to survive the storm until He ultimately calms it. --- Dennis Fisher

Our loving God is always near,
Forever by our side;
He'll bring us comfort in our fear
And peace that will abide. --- Sper

WHEN WE TRUST THE POWER OF GOD, HIS PEACE KEEPS US FROM PANIC.