“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

It is 5am in the morning in Tampa, Florida, we are on high alert to prepare for the catastrophic hurricane headed our way. The news commentators projects it to be the worst storm that has hit the Tampa Bay Area in over one hundred years – the officials are doing all possible to help save lives…verbiage such as if you live in an evacuation zone and you have chose not to leave…you have made your house your coffin – certainly this prognosis grips the heart, placing fear, anxiety, and anticipation of the worst possible scenario to come- as the storm looms overhead.

But even with such a devastating forecast..there are those somewhere out there this morning facing storms of a far different kind… devastating prognosis’ of physical illness, the heartache of grief and sudden loss of a loved one, mental anguish, spiritual unrest, and many other circumstances that can easily place us in the valleys of life; but, I am a living witness that the child of God has peace amid any storm, because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. 

My friends… let us recall another set of witness, for over two thousand years ago a great storm arose on the sea of Galilee as the disciples and Jesus were crossing to the other side. “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.” Mark 4:37.

Can you imagine the plight of the disciples as the storm increased with no shelter or place to escape-the boat was full of water and drowning appeared to be imminent and their Master was quietly sleeping…their response in the perilous situation was to cry out to Jesus…He had to be awakened and made aware of the situation how could He possible lie asleep?!  “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Mark 4:38.

Jesus always answers the faithful cries of His children-what happened next is a wonderful testimony of God’s omnipotence, the Bible tells us “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.” Mark 4:39.  I have to ask… is there anything too hard for God– let me answer that for you…absolutely not, because He has all power!

So, whether your storm today is “Milton” or some other occurence beyond your human control…know that there is absolutely nothing that can overtake the “boat” that has the Master of all Heaven and Earth on board- and when Jesus says “Peace, be still!” my Lord, and my God…everything will answer His command; yes, even the winds and the waves must obey His will. “For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37.”

Trust God in and through it all, even in the midnight hour, when the storms of life are raging… we can depend on God to protect and deliver us! He will give us the strength and sweet peace to face whatever comes our way! “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10.  

May God’s peace, safety, and amazing grace be with us all!