Turbulence Ahead

Then he got into a boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly a terrible storm came up, with waves higher than the boat. But Jesus was asleep.

The disciples went to him and wakened him, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're sinking!"

But Jesus answered, "O you men of little faith! Why are you so frightened?" Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm subsided and all was calm. The disciples just sat there, awed! "Who is this," they asked themselves, "that even the winds and the sea obey him?" Matthew 8: 23-27 (TLB)

Mike C. Bertoglio is from Georgia. As they began their cross-country trip, the pilot came on the intercom and announced, "We are expecting some turbulence at the start of our trip, so we would like you to keep your seat belts fastened. It should last only about ten minutes." He then continued, "We may get some more turbulence about halfway into our flight, and we are expecting thunderstorms in the afternoon near our destination." The seat belt sign came on shortly after takeoff and remained on.

Mike imagined all kinds of terrible situations, including the plane's breaking apart in severe turbulence! For worriers like Mike this is often the case - our imagination takes over. But at some point in the journey, Mike recalled the story of Jesus and the disciples in the boat in the midst of a storm. Jesus calmed the wind and the waves - and the hearts of the disciples. Mike imagined Jesus sitting next to him on the plane, saying, "It will be okay. I am here with you." Then Mike relaxed.

The turbulence was only mild, but what Mike imagined might happen was much worse. We who sometimes picture disasters can also picture the comforting, calming presence of the Lord. Storms will come, but imagining Jesus with us in those storms can calm our hearts and prepare us for whatever lies ahead.

Prayer: God who calmed the sea, you promise to be with us, even in rough seas and turbulent times. Be with us now and give us peace, n matter what lies ahead, in Jesus' name. Amen.