The Storms of Life

Kevin Burrell on October 9, 2023

On that very day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And a great storm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
Mark 4:35, 37

It was July 12, 1977. I woke up that morning excited, getting ready for my all-star pony league baseball practice later in the day. I remember it was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining. Not a cloud in the sky. My dad left for work. My mom was at home working around the house. My 4-year old brother was attending Vacation Bible School that morning.

The day was going great—and then it happened. Later (that very same day) a storm hit our family. My little brother, back home from VBS, accidentally slipped into a friend’s pool and was lifeless, floating on the top of the water. He was rushed to children’s hospital in San Diego, where, later in the evening, he was gone and went to heaven to be with the Lord.

In the verses above the disciples experienced a storm as well. Read it for yourself again. Their morning started out well. Great ministry was going on. Exciting things were happening all around, and then, “on that very same day” when evening had come they were in the middle of a fierce storm, battling for their lives.

Here is the reality: we do not know what a day will bring. A beautiful morning—only to end with a storm-filled evening. Our life is like a vapor. Life is precious and life is short. However, what we do know or should know is that Jesus is in the middle of the storm. It never catches Him by surprise. He allowed it to happen to the disciples and He allows it to happen in our lives as well. He reminds us: “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He is holding on to your hand. He doesn’t promise to keep us from the storms of life; however, He will guide us through the storm. Abide with Him. Trust Him. Allow your soul to anchor in Him. Every storm runs out of rain, just like every dark night turns into day. However painful, storms draw something out of us that calm seas never will.

Hang in there. Be strong. Be courageous. Do not fear. Do not quit. Keep making progress. Trust in the One who has you right in the palm of His Mighty hand.

 

Love God, Love People, Live Sent!

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

You are Plan A

Kevin Burrell on October 3, 2023

 

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.


Matthew 28:19-20

There is an old legend that speaks of a conversation between Jesus and the angel Gabriel, after Christ’s ascension back to heaven:

Gabriel: “How bad was it on earth for the 33 years you were there?”

Jesus: “Oh Gabriel, it was awful.”

Gabriel: “How bad was it going to the cross? We stood ready, your legion of angels stood watch in the garden of Gethsemane, waiting for your call, while watching you in agony praying to The Father while all your disciples were asleep.”

Jesus: “Yes Gabriel, the pain and suffering was awful, and separation from The Father was agonizing. It was horrendous.”

Gabriel: “What plan did you make for completing God’s mission of telling everyone throughout all of time about how much God loves them?”

Jesus: “I asked Peter, James and John, and a handful more in the region to make it their life’s mission to tell others. And then those are to tell others, and the others still others, until every person has heard the Good News and their life becomes transformed by it.”

Gabriel stood in deep thought and meditation as though he saw a flaw in Jesus’ plan.

Gabriel: “Yes, but Master, suppose after a while Peter forgets and goes back to fishing and John loses his enthusiasm.  And what if their successors, down in the 21st century get so busy or so timid that they do not make the time or have the courage to tell others? What will you do then?”

The voice of Jesus answered quietly and confidently—

Jesus: “I haven’t made any other plans Gabriel. I am counting on them. There is no plan B.”

May I remind you as well that there is no plan B. Plan B is plan A!

As you are going through life—Go, And Make Disciples!

Be who God created you to be. Never forget, If Satan can’t make you bad—he will just make you busy. Be busy about the right things. The things that truly matter in this life. Go and tell the message. Work His plan—and His plan will work!

 

Love God, Love People, Live Sent!

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Seeing + Feeling + Acting

Kevin Burrell on September 19, 2023

When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.

Matthew 9:36, 38

Recently my wife and I were in a restaurant enjoying a date night out. While talking with the young lady who was our server, we learned she was struggling to make ends meet at home because her husband was out of work and they had young children to feed and care for. We saw a lady who was doing her best while walking through a dark valley in her life. We felt compassion for her. Sadly, it stopped there, until the Spirit of God said “That is not enough, Kevin.”

I have learned through the years in my walk with the Lord that Kindness = Seeing + Feeling + Action. All three steps are required. Needless to say my wife and I acted. We saw a need, felt compassion for the need, and took action to fill the need.

In the passage above Jesus was no different. Look at the progression. Jesus saw the crowds. He had a feeling of compassion for the crowds. However, He didn’t stop there. He took action by “Sending Out More Workers” into the crowds.

 I heard it said long ago, “The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm.” There is no truer statement!

We must first see a need > It must touch our heart to feel compassion for the need > And it must drive us to action by showing God’s love in a practical way to fill the need.

See a need …. fill a need!

 

Love God, Love People, Live Sent!

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.