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before the storm


The storms are most likely headed in our direction.  Yet Hurricane Florence has a plan of it’s own.  It could go north or south of us.  It could get stronger or might even weaken.

No matter what happens to the storm we need to make some choices about how we will deal with the storms of life.  That is the literal storms that cause damage and wreck our lives. That is the many other kinds of storms that cross our path as well.  How will we deal with the storms?

Mark 5:17 NLT
And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

Maybe they were scared of what they saw.  Maybe the herdsman were furious about losing their pigs (you might know the story; of not go read it).  There could have been a number of reasons for asking Jesus to leave them alone.  

Another story from the time Jesus was when He was in the boat with His disciples when a storm came up.  They thought they were going to die.  But how could Jesus asleep during this horrible storm?  After be woken up, Jesus calmed the storm and asked them about their faith.  Here is what the Bible says about their response:

Mark 4:41 NLT
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

What your response be?  We ought to know before the storm how we might respond.  Think about it.  Jesus knew the storm was coming, and He went to sleep.  He wasn’t stressed.  

They were amazed when Jesus called the storm.  Yet these people had just watched Jesus feed 5,000 or more people.  They saw Him perform all kinds of miracles, and they knew Him well.  Jesus questioned their faith.  He wants to build our faith so it will be strong when the storm hits.

Seeing is not always believing.  Faith has to do more with the facts we believe than the feelings we have.  How would we respond to Jesus and His question?

My prayer is that we would respond with faith.  My prayer is that we would lead others to come to know Jesus because of what we experienced.  My prayer is that we will be changed and see others changed all because we have been with Jesus.

How we respond to Jesus makes all the difference.  How will you respond today?

The storm is coming, and we may have the opportunity to serve our family or maybe to serve our community or others.  Think and act.  Our faith ought to stand tall when the storms hit.

NOTE: today does mark the 17th day of remembrance of the attack on our nation on 9-11.  Remember that storm as well and how it made us stronger as a nation, as churches, as individuals and families.  Pray for families impacted by that difficult day.


If you would like to give to help the ministries of The Community Fellowship and Dream Center, please go to this link https://tcf.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving
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