• Scripture: Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 4:36-41; 6:51, 52; Luke 8:25; 24:37, John 6:19.

Is it global cooling or global warming? Much of the world has suffered the worst stormy winter in years. In many of the United States it is hard to believe that spring is just two weeks away.

Recent storms have dumped snow across the Midwest and into parts of Canada. Toronto and around the Great Lakes have had one of the worst snow fall accumulations on record. For the past two weeks there have been storm watches or warnings of tornados, flooding, rain, hail and snow.

The United States weather extremes were even noted by the BBC. British reporters pointed out that more than 20 inches of snow covered the city of Columbus, Ohio breaking the previous record for accumulation set in 1910. It reported that four residents of that city died while shoveling snow. ¹

Two different storm systems in the same week brought snow and ice to Texas forcing many schools and business in North Texas to close.  For the first time in years there was enough snow for families to build snow people and snow forts. As snow blanketed yards and hung mysteriously from flowering trees, ice formed on bridges and overpasses creating hazardous driving for trucks and cars.

The fast-moving weather systems created havoc at many of the nation’s airports. An airplane attempting to take off skidded off the runway when, in spite of having the de-icing mixture sprayed on it, was not able to gain enough speed on the runway. Many flights were cancelled or delayed. ²

Citizens in Wales and England were bracing for winds up to 80 mph in some locations. Warnings of potentially high waves and coastal flooding were sent out to those living in southwest Wales and northwest England urging them to stay alert and reminding them to call the “Floodline” for advanced warnings. Rain and hailstones were expected to disrupt the beginning of this week’s air and ferry travel. ³

Our Bible study this week includes stories of nasty weather and the rescue of fishermen who were in training to learn how to fish for people.

Luke recalls how a "squall" came up on the water while he and the other disciples were taking their Teacher in a boat to the other side of the lake. They all needed to spend time away from crowds of people that kept following them. A howling wind came suddenly out of no where and created waves that the disciples deemed life-threatening. Instead of feeling at ease knowing that the Miracle Worker was on board with them the nervous disciples feared for their lives and were amazed that Jesus could sleep while they were in such danger? Jesus commanded the storm to cease and the lake was still. ⁴

The disciples-in-training just didn’t seem to be able to comprehend what Jesus was trying to teach them. Even when Jesus used visual illustrations and involved them personally in real-life miracles, the 12 students couldn’t connect one lesson of faith to another. Are we any different today?

In the devotional section of the February 21, 2008 Adventist Review, author Gavin Anthony shares his personal ah-ha moment. It was the time it dawned on him that he cannot stop the storms of life from coming to him. They are the work of Satan. He realized that he could only have God’s peace once he stopped trying to avert the storms.  Anthony uses storms as a metaphor for anything that disrupts life and prevents one from having peace of mind.

“We often presume that we’ll gain peace by preventing or stopping the storm. But this is not the biblical view” states Anthony. “Peace has nothing to do with whether the storms are big, small, or have disappeared. Peace has to do with our faith in Jesus and whether we really believe that He has all power and sovereign control.” ⁵

Our lesson challenges us to reflect upon the way we respond when the storms of life swirl around us? Like the disciples at sea do we respond in fear or do we trust the One who can calm our inner storms?  ~ck

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7286009.stm

2. Fox 5 O’clock News, Sunday, March 9.

3. http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=6885414&ch=4226714&src=news

4. Luke 8:22-26

5. Anthony, Gavin. Adventist Review. February 21, 2008, page 24.

 Creative Ministry Center.   www.creativeministry.org