Life's Hurricanes

I live in a Hurricane evacuation zone. A place that meteorologist often cite when warning of tropical storms, severe flooding, and category 3, 4 and 5 level hurricanes. We are fluent in the lingo: Dopler, tracking systems, mph winds, contra-flow lanes, high tides, evacuation routes... Folks around here just know that August through October are unpredictable at best.

A few years back my city was “doomed for disaster.” Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was “asked to evacuate” and seek shelter at higher ground. Let me just say--for the record--the evacuation was by far worse than the storm. The best of humanity did not rise to the top on that fateful weekend.

Storms expose both our strengths and our weakness. Faith tested. Selfishness exposed.

Today, a new storm is brewing in the Gulf. I lose track of the names, but the same buzz is circuling: fear, anxieties, questions….what to do in the storm? Stay or Flee? Worry or Rest? The concern is valid.

As I think about hurricane season, I can’t help but think about the storms of life. Economic storms. Relational Storms. Health storms. Much like the ones we watch on The Weather Channel, these also test our faith and expose our weaknessses.

A few years ago I faced what could only be described as "the perfect storm." Looking back, one of the primary lessons I learned during that season was that fear and worry will cause us to run for cover, to seek shelter, and to find aid, but where we run is completely our choice.

There is only one true place of shelter, security, and protection for us...and that is Jesus. A scripture that became so real to me during my hurricane season was Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe."

Friends, whatever you are facing today...run to Jesus. Run to the One who can by the mere word of His mouth calm any storm.

35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on
a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care
that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?”
they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Matthew 4:35-41 New Living Translation