Walking Through the Storm

Have you ever looked up in the sky and seen a storm coming?  Most of us learn to read the sky at a fairly young age for sign of an approaching storm.  One of the signs of a storm formulating on the horizon, is the formation of dark clouds on what might otherwise be a clear and sunny day.  Another good indication that a storm is brewing can be the clap of thunder booming off in the distance, or lightning dancing its way across the sky.

There are some storms that actually take us by surprise.  The day might be sunny, and suddenly, without warning a rain shower pelts the earth with such intensity that it leaves no question in anyone’s mind how quickly a storm might arise and seemingly out of nowhere.  This makes the element of surprise very effective.

Life produces storms as well.  Some you can see coming while others you don’t.  How you handle the storm is very important.  The types of storms addressed in this book will be both natural and spiritual.

I have experienced a number of storms in my own life.  I too have watched from a safe distance, and with interest, approaching storms both in the natural and spiritual realms.  I have also observed that some storms are short in duration, while others create such havoc in our lives, that the fallout can be felt for years.

Simply put, when a storm cloud burst in my life, I immediately rush into the presence of my Savior.  As a believer and a child of God, I have a secure relationship with God who is my heavenly Father.  This enables me to place my faith in a God who promises, “never to leave or forsake me.”  This same child-like faith helps me to put life in its proper perspective.  Jesus stipulated that all “those who are weary and heavy laden, come unto Him and he would provide rest for their soul.”  Mark 11:28.  A number of life’s storms are so overwhelming that there is no way that we can weather them on our own.

In both the natural and spiritual realms, when we realize that a storm may soon invade our space, we might experience a certain amount of uncertainty and/or trepidation.  Ask anyone who lives along costal areas how they feel when faced with “storm after storm,” how they feel when additional storms are predicted to make their presence known in the region.  Most inhabitants along costal shores begin preparations and then attempt to wait it out.  Most people begin their preparations by boarding up and securing their houses and businesses.  They wisely store up food and in areas where the tide might have tendency to rise, they might pile up sand bags, which will provide additional protection against the rising water that will gush into the area.  Even with all necessary preparations in place, their attempt to protect themselves from the storm might prove to be futile.  The onslaught of the storm might prove too severe, and a massive evacuation of the area must take place to provide the safety needed from the ferociousness of the storm.

In preparation for the writing of this book, I read scientific data gathered by the experts.  A few facts emerge that have made this study interesting.

Let it be noted:  “Man lives at the bottom of a dense and turbulent sea of gases.”  “The mixture of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, and Carbon Dioxide, collectively known as air, can be subjected to tremendous currents; swirling and flowing at different speeds, pressures, and temperatures.  A single thunderstorm can release 125 million gallons of water and discharge enough heat to supply the entire United States with electrical power for twenty minutes.”

In the gospel according to Mark, Jesus said to His disciples, “let us cross over to the other side.”  As the narrative continues, we see Jesus and His disciples leaving the multitude of people, that he had been teaching, They began to travel by boat to the other side of the shore.  Suddenly and without warning a great gust of wind arose on the calm sea, and the boat began to sway violently, as harsh waves beat against its sides.  The disciples became afraid; even though some were seasoned sailors.  The storm threatened their safety and disrupted their peace of mind.  In their anxiety, the disciples woke Jesus and with much fear, they asked Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus arose, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace Be Still.”  The wind ceased and there was calm on the sea; He said to them, “Why are you so fearful?”  “How is it that you have no faith?”  The gospel writer said that this only made them more afraid; and they said among themselves, Who can this be, that even the Wind and Sea obey Him Mark 4:37-41.

We have already noted that the Human Race can be exposed to such elements as Tornadoes, Cyclones, Hurricanes, Ice Wind, Dust, Sand, Tropical and Thunder Storms, and the like.  These storms can create such havoc in our lives both emotionally and financially that the damage can take a toll on human life and