"Faith or Foolishness"

Written by R. E. Bailes

Who Challenges the Storms?

The storms of life are learning experiences but we are not meant to learn them alone. Many times as a young man I would tell guys that I wasn't afraid when we had a bad thunder storm. I wanted to appear brave and act as though it was nothing so they would see me as being tough and fearless. The truth was that I actually hated lightening when it got close and I knew it was very powerful. Interestingly enough though, my friends believed me! They would try to show no fear or concern as well when there was a big storm! We had allot of them in west Tennessee and it seemed we were in a tornado tunnel or something in the fall of the year.

As brave as I may have appeared to my friends, it would have been foolish to go out into the storm when huge trees were bouncing around like a field of wheat when the wind blows.

In the news today, I read about a father, mother and a seven year old girl who were washed out to sea by a huge wave that crashed into the rocks while they were watching the waves created by Hurricane Bill this weekend in Maine. The following is an except from the Associated Press News release.

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – A large wave fueled by Hurricane Bill swept spectators out to sea at a Maine park Sunday as the storm-churned surf attracted onlookers and daredevils along the Eastern Seaboard.

A man, a woman and a 7-year-old girl were pulled from the sea near Acadia National Park, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Coxon said, and rescue crews were searching for others believed to be lost in the waves.

This is such a shame and yet we do exactly the same thing in our lives every time we think that we are strong enough to stand up to Satan or his challenges by ourselves. The Lord wants us to put on the armor of God but the armor is empowered to protect us by the Holy Spirit who works in our lives as we seek His will.

Paul knew what it was like to weather a storm or two and he had learned that he was safe whenever Jesus was with him no matter how rough the waves were that beat against the boat.

Mark 4:37-40 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, do you not care that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?

Faith is the key word in this passage!

Where do you put your faith when you find a storm coming on? If you feel the pressure and you are telling everyone how hard it is for you to make it on your own; please realize that it isn't up to you to do this alone! Jesus says in the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews that he will never leave you, nor forsake you!

Hebrew 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Remember these words written by Paul and be strengthened in knowing that Jesus will always take control of the storms, but sometimes Jesus waits until we acknowledge our need for His power in our lives.

Mark 4:38 ....and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.

Jesus is waiting for You today! He longs to take control of the things that cause us fear and danger if we will just ask!

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.