Sometimes it might seem to us that the storms and tribulations around us are winning the battle, that the Lord is sleeping on a pillow at the back of the boat and does not hear our cries for help. How often have the waters of life's difficulties threatened to overwhelm us, and we have thought to ourselves that we cannot go on?
When the disciples witnessed Jesus' authority over the power of nature, their confidence in him grew. In the same way, our own troubles can bring us to the place where we can ask help from no one but the Lord. As he has done so often in the past, he then delivers us from our problems, and that helps us appreciate and depend on him even more.
I do not believe that there are coincidences in the lives of those who believe in Christ. The storms of troubles, waves of daily pressures, and fires of persecution are very carefully designed and allowed by God. They all carry messages to us from the Lord, messages with deep and meaningful blessings. In the violence of these troubles we learn obedience, and he strengthens the metal of our faith. These are tools in God's hands to shape our character, to make us more like him.
It is no small thing that in the end he forms in us the fruit of righteousness and peace, but he may use the storms that frighten us, the winds of adversity. Light breezes and calm waters are for daytrippers on a picnic; they do not make strong sailors.
What a creative artist God is! He is stretching his hands towards the dark clouds in the skies of our circumstances, and in those clouds he paints a colorful rainbow full of life and hope. Soon he will change our troubles and give us a great relief. As long as we allow him to hold the rudder of our boat, we will be able to face the strong waves and opposing winds in all quietness and courage. He does indeed care if we die, and he will be with us through life's storms.
- 17 DECEMBER -