When the Storms of Life Come...

When the Storms of Life Come…

             Early this morning, we began our Bible study on the book of Job.  You might remember the story.  Job is doing well.  He lives in blessing.  He is surrounded by wealth and family.  But suddenly, it is all taken away.  A tsunami of tragedy comes upon him and his family and everything is taken away.  He cannot understand why.  The rest of the book is of course, his journey around the question why. 

            Most of us do not find ourselves in the same degree of intensity of storm as did Job, but quite a few of you have come close.  So many in our community and congregation have seen and dwelt in this land of storm and tragedy.  As with Job, sometimes it is simply overwhelming.

            That is why this week’s reading from the book of Acts is so relevant.  The Apostle Paul was making his way to Rome, doing exactly what God wanted him to do.  Even so, he found himself sailing into a literal storm.  The tempest lasted for two weeks and drove the little ship and the almost three hundred people halfway across the Mediterranean Sea.  While many on the vessel had no clue what to do or where to turn, Paul rose to a place of loving guidance and leadership, and helped get everyone to safety.  Even in the stormy waves, Paul found a stable place.  From that place, he was able to work, minister, and serve in a way that literally and spiritually saved the lives of those around him.

          His story is worth hearing.  So often, those storms come upon our lives and the lives of those we love and know.  Like Paul, our faith gives us stable footing even in the midst of the most intimidating waves.   I invite you to join us for worship this weekend.   We all need to know what to do when the storms of life come our way.  See you there!

In Christ,

Pastor Pete