Lent: With One VoiceSample

INTO THE STORMS

Let’s face it, storms are scary things. In Hong Kong when we hear of typhoons the first question we ask is, ‘How big is it?’ Some storms in this region have been catastrophic, destroying whole communities and families. Some storms are smaller, more localized, more personal. Sometimes the storms/ trials we face are in our lives; the storms of lost jobs, failed relationships, children out of control or a doctor’s report that stops us in our tracks.

In this storm, Jesus is always nearby. Immediately the disciples cry out, Jesus responds to them. In this passage Jesus is revealing Himself to the disciples. Often in the ‘storms’ of life, God’s voice and presence are very clear to us. Such ‘storms’ can reveal important things about ourselves and God. Trials wipe off the masks we so easily wear and they show us who we really are and how much we desperately need God. They can reveal our distorted view of God. Often we treat God like our good luck charm, instead of the Creator and Lord of all things.

FOR REFLECTION
• When storms or trials enter into our life, what is usually our first reaction to them? This reaction usually shows us our view of God.
• If it is true that God uses the storms and trials in our lives to change us and show us more of Him, how then should we respond to them?

PRAYER
Father, Lord of the storms and trials in our lives, we confess our self-dependence and self-sufficiency and we surrender to You all that we are. Thank You for loving us so much. Help us to see You as You truly are and to worship You this day and always. We love You!