Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Disquieted Waters and The Grace of God (John 16:33)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  
John 16:33

It was late August in 1992 and I had just turned 12. I can still remember the news that Hurricane Andrew was headed our way. I will spare you the details of how we prepared the house and tried to secure the family belongings... it was a frantic time.

At 4 in the morning the gentle rains became far more menacing. The rain that usually put a city to sleep was now bringing her to her knees. The air pressure changed as the beast loomed overhead, ripping roofs off homes and stripping so many dreams. Miami lay in ruins.

I was there. I saw what looked like life-sized doll houses peppered through the rubble. There was no air conditioning... and August in Miami is not known as a cooler month.

But something strange happened as the storm shook the city: Peace. As the eye passed over our home there was a break in the chaos, a time-out was called and we could breathe. At the heart of Andrew was a vacuous tunnel, a peaceful place that reminded me of life the day before.

Jesus had just told His disciples that He was going give them peace for their journey and, in the same breath, they will face hardships. You see my friends, the peace Christ offers does not mean there are no storms. No, it means that there is peace and security IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM.

Be blessed and be a blessing.


Cheers

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