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Hello Great Family,

Lets talk about storms. Last night we experienced a big one.  Wind, rain, thunder, and lightning.  I looked out to discover that it had started to flood around our house.  So, in the midst of the storm, I put on my boots, jacket and a hat to head outside and set up my storm pump.  This did not go over well with my wife because apparently, she loves me and doesnt want me to get hit by lightning.  She said as much along with some other stuff about my mental capacity and what normal people would do and not do.  But she also once said, I do and now she has me for better or for worse; in sickness and in health; for richer and for poorer; in rain and lightning something like that.

We all handle the storms differently.  Some of you probably stood out on the porch to watch the show last night.  Others probably hunkered down in the lowest level with your terrified pet. There are different types of storms.  Some are like what we experienced last night and others are the storms that come with living here in a fallen world.  We also handle the storms of life differently, but how we deal with them makes all the difference.

In Mark 4:35-41; we see Jesus handling a storm.

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, Let us go over to the other side. 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, Teacher, dont you care if we drown? 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? 41 They were terrified and asked each other, Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!

These guys had been with Jesus all day as He taught about Gods word of hope and trust. But hearing is not the same as knowing. It is only when our faith is tested that we truly begin to trust God.  How are you handling the storms of life?

Financial Struggles: When we were struggling financially, it was easy to focus on what we do not have, instead of what we do have.

Family Crisis: We can be overcome with fear or we can focus on Jesus being the Lord of our lives and declare victory over the enemy.

Health Issues: When plagued with an ongoing health issue, it is easy to become tired and weary. You may not be focusing on fear but the pain. This is understandable. However, dont let the enemy steal all of your joy.

Relationship Issues: Relationships can be tough. Focusing on God instead of the turmoil around you will help keep your peace.

With every storm we face, we have an opportunity to focus on fear or learn to trust God. Let your faith be bigger than your fear. As we deal with the storms of our life, we can trust God, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because Gods love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

I went out into the storm last night. I did not get hit by lightning.  Our basement did not flood. My marriage is still intact. God is good and His JOY comes in the morning!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)