Perspectives with Rev. George Frey

It has been just over two weeks since the kids went back to school, and our house has become a chocolate selling shop. Parents know the drill. To fundraise at school for XYZ reason, here’s […]

God cares, even in the storms

The story goes that Jesus had spent the day at the seashore, teaching crowds that had gathered to see him. Because the crowds were so large, Jesus sat in the boat just offshore so that people could see and hear him. His boat became his pulpit. He had to speak loudly. 

That’s exhausting work! To “connect” with a large crowd hour after hour without a microphone will wear down even the strongest person. 

When evening came, Jesus told his disciples to pull up the anchor and to set out for the other side of the lake, several miles away. Once they were underway, Jesus pulled up a cushion and fell asleep, exhausted.

While Jesus slept, a great windstorm arose, stirring up great waves which threatened to swamp the boat. The disciples became alarmed, because they could see that the winds and the waves were too much for their small boat. They were far from shore–and they were really afraid. 

Jesus’ disciples woke him up, and said, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus was their leader, and they were in trouble. 

When people are in trouble, they naturally turn to their leader and cry, “Help us! Save us! DO SOMETHING!”  

Jesus turned to his disciples, and said: “Why are you afraid? Do you not have faith in God?

What about you? You have most certainly experienced storms in your life. You might be in the midst of a storm right now–some sort of health problem–or relationship problem–or financial problem. I think that you sometimes find yourself crying out, “Jesus, do you not care that I am perishing?” Maybe you pray, “Jesus, help me! Save me! Do something!” By the way, that in of itself, is a good prayer! 

Sometimes, God makes it possible for us to live joyful, productive lives in spite of the storms raging around us and within us. 

Someone put it this way: “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms the believer!”

People find the words of the 23rd Psalm comforting:”Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff–they comfort me.” 

That Psalm acknowledges that life isn’t always green pastures and still waters. Life sometimes leads us into dark valleys. But even in those dark valleys, God is with us. Even in those dark valleys–especially in those dark valleys–God comforts us.

Sometimes we want to give in–to give up. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” 

Even in the storms, God cares. Even in the darkest valleys, God cares. In the midst of your storms and dark valleys continue praying–and see if God doesn’t calm the storms of your life. 

Rev. Norine Gullons

Sth. Dundas Evangelical

Lutheran Parish

Morrisburg/Williamsburg

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