After Storms

​I am writing this after Oklahoma experienced a series of severe storms during the day yesterday and last night.
Our part of the nation weather-wise is designated “Tornado Alley.” Springtime is the major tornado season for “Tornado Alley” but we can experience what are called October/November severe weather storms that can include tornadoes.
So, it is a bit unnerving and weird to be warned about potentially destructive, damaging weather in the fall. Very strange to have potential tornadoes lingering aloft while our festive neighbors are celebrating Halloween with pumpkins, black cats, skeletons, ghosts and goblins decorating their yards!
 Around 10:00 p.m. tornado sirens blared to warn us to take cover. Admittedly, the severe weather sirens are eerie, causing adrenalin to surge as blood pressure heart rates rise.
Thankfully, most of the storm damage across the state was minimal.
Today the sky is crystal clear blue. Cloudless. A cool, refreshing, gentle fall breeze is blowing through the trees. It is a stunningly gorgeous morning compared to the frightening scenario just a few short hours ago.
It is a fact of life that you and I can encounter weather and non-weather related storms. Spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, relational, financial and cultural storms can suddenly set off warning sirens that we need to heed. Storms eventually subside and go away.
Following a life storm it is significant for us to learn some life lessons about faith. In Mark 4:35-41 Jesus and His disciples were caught in a sudden, dangerous, life-threatening storm on the Sea of Galilee. Their boat was filling up with water. Sinking fast. A trip to Davey’s locker looked like a real possibility. Peter thought they were going to perish.
While Peter panicked, Jesus slept peacefully in the back of the boat.
Waves tossing the boat around rocked the Lord to sleep. Peter woke Jesus up (not a good move!) expressing his concern that they might drown. Jesus knew that is Father did not send  His only Son and His hand-picked followers to drown.
The Lord took command of the stressful situation. He got up., rebuked the wind and sea with “peace be still’—and the crisis ended. The wind died down, the sea was completely calm, and the disciples were amazed. “Who then is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him.”
Jesus not only rebuked the wind and sea. He rebuked the disciples with “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” I believe Jesus expected Peter to rebuke the storm while the Master enjoyed His nap!
I am also convinced Peter and the disciples were different men after the storm.
Who wouldn’t be having personally witnessed Jesus wake up from taking a few “Zzs” to calm the threatening waves with His word? During and after the storm, Jesus’ followers learned something about faith. How to trust the Father when storms swirl around us.
 I have a feeling they thought about not panicking the next time a storm blew into their life!
What should you and I do when a life storm has blown through our life?
How we walk by faith after a life storm passes reveals if the storm matured us in Christ or not.
After Storms

• Review the storm. What was it all about? How severe? What kind of damage was done?
• Reflect on your reaction/response to the storm. Did you panic or remain calm? What about faith in God to manage the storm?
• Repair the storm damage. Does a relationship need restored? Does someone need forgiveness? What about restitution and reconciliation?
• Resolve to handle a life storm differently next time if you did not manage this one well. How can I do better when life’s storm clouds blacken the horizon once again? Managing or mismanaging a life storm is up to me.
• Realize there are positives you can take from the storm. Learn what you can to manage your next storm with faith that overcomes.
• Relate to others how the Lord helped you endure the storm. Share what you learned about yourself when a life storm tested your faith.
• Rejoice and give thanks to God that there is always a day after the storm. The day after a storm reminds us of how good God was to care for us during the storm.

Are you experiencing a life storm right now? Trust God to bring you through it. Stand firm with faith against the storm. Rest with peaceful, confident assurance that the Lord is Lord over storms that come into our life.
Speak to your storm with faith that trusts God to take care of business! Then evaluate your faith during and after the storm. Choose to be strong in faith the next time a life storm visits you.
Tell you storm to be still in Jesus’ mighty name!
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.” I John 5:4
A Word For Your Week: Faith is the victory during and after the storm.