We've had some mighty storms in the last few days and if you knew our dog, Bear, you would feel sorry for him regardless of your like or dislike for dogs. He trembles with fear and sometimes even cries at the hint of thunder or lightning. This week, we had non-stop storms with 4 1/2 inches of rain in one day. Needless to say, Bear got no rest and there was no peace in the storm for him.We tried to console him. "It's okay, Bear!" We hugged him. Loved on him. I even held this 45 pound dog on my lap. Still, no peace in the storm. His greatest relief was to go into a closet in the middle of the house and hide.
"What's wrong with him?" I wondered. He doesn't know Jesus! It's as simple as that. If he knew Jesus, he probably wouldn't be so rattled. Maybe a little up tight, but he would know the final outcome would be okay whether he lived through the storm or not.
It's hard to find Jesus if you're a dog, no doubt, but even if you're a person it's hard to find Jesus in the midst of a storm if you never knew him before. That's why the Bible tells us the way to life - to God - is vigorous and requires your total attention! In order to have life, especially in the midst of a storm, you have to have God.
Imagine being in the middle of any chaotic, frightful situation and looking for someone that you don't know. You may actually find him but how easy would it be to trust him if you didn't know them very well?
If there were anyway I could help Bear to understand what it's like to be under God's umbrella of protection, he wouldn't be so frightened in the storm. He may never know that peace but I hope you do.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
2 comments:
Well, you've done it!
You've made reference, at least indirectly, to one of my favorite teaching stories in the Gospels ... that of Jesus teaching His disciples about faith by submitting them to the effects of HIS "storm of perfection." (found in the montage of accounts in Matt. 14, Mark 6, and John 6). I think I could teach on that story for weeks. And my faith grows and I keep learning more about my Savior every time I study it.
But, Audi, I loved your word picture of one who could not see Jesus in the midst of the storm ... your lovely little dog, Bear. Yet, sometimes we're not much better than Bear; are we? We, who call ourelves "Christians," when we're subjected to the storms of life, just see ghosts rather than trust in the Savior ... just like His inner disciples did when they saw The Messiah walking on the water. These men, who had just seen Jesus feed thousands with a few fishes and loaves, simply could not understand Whom they were following. So, Jesus had to put them out there in that storm to let them see their Messiah calm the wind/waves with a mere gesture of His hand. And even with that (and other miracle moments), who was it who ran in fear when Jesus was arrested. Yeah, ... it was His crew, the ones who'd seen Jesus in action in a storm; but they ran into the closet of fear just like Bear did.
And how many storms do we need to encounter before we learn that God is in control? And how many wind storms in life do we need to be able to see that all things, including storms, work together for the good of those who are true disciples of Jesus?
I'm afraid I'm no different at times than Jesus' men in the boat or Bear in the closet. ... I need His "storms of perfection" to let me see that my Savior is my Protector. BTW, that phrase Storms of Perfection is the title of a book by Christian comedian Andy Andrews; and I have a copy of the Intro to that book in MS Word form, which I'll send you via email. It's a wonderful storm story too! ...
Thanks for your post, Audi ... good stuff, girl!!! <'BB><
Audi -- Dad slept well through the storm last night. I DID NOT! I worried about Dave and Lori getting home on their flight from Jacksonville, Fl. Nevertheless they came through fine.
When I could not go to sleep immediately with the lightning and thunder last night, Dad said "Close your eyes and trust in Jesus." Finally, I got the rest I needed.
Love -- Mommo
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