Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. (From Matthew 8:23-27)

The Apostles were being tossed about as they navigated a storm while on the Sea of Galilee.  The storm raged around them, the boat was taking on water, there was a chance of being thrown overboard by the dangerous waves, and it must have been quite powerful as these were experienced fishermen who were pleading and crying for help.  2020 has pretty much been the same, hasn’t it?  The storms of the pandemic, economic difficulties, social unrest, loss of loved ones, racial tensions, and continued distrust and division in our communities threaten to throw us overboard and to crash us upon the waves.  But, Jesus was in the boat with the Apostles and he rebuked the wind and the waves and calm came over the storm and into the hearts of the Apostles.  Are you letting Jesus do the same for you?  Is Jesus in your boat?  Is Jesus in your life?  Do you cry out to him for help and healing and guidance and peace?  The storms may be raging still, but Jesus can give you peace and calm in your life and in your heart!  And, not only will he calm our responses to the storm, but he can end the storm if we ask!  My sisters and brothers in Christ, call on Jesus with faith and the storms of life will be nothing compared to the love and mercy and compassion and power of our Redeemer, our Savior, our LORD, and our God!  Amen