The Storms of Life
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.