The household is upset when it happens!
Thunder, lightning, storms, firecrackers, fireworks or the sound of shooting guns.
Some of the dogs sleep right through the loudest storm and racket, but two of them become afraid at the first hint of the crashing thunder and flashing lightning.
Luna and Yoda get close to their owners and try to hide from the noises that scare them. They get under their blankets on the couch. If everyone is asleep, they jump on the bed and wiggle under the covers.
Sometimes they whine and cry until someone gets up with them. The dogs don’t want to be alone. They get as close as they can and tremble next to you. The look in their eyes breaks your heart. They are afraid.
What are you afraid of? Storms, tornadoes, water or flying can cause some people to panic! Economic ruin, losing a job, losing a loved one or failure can send some people spiraling into panic and fear.
Do you remember the time Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him in the boat while He dismissed the people who had gathered? Matthew 14: 22-33 tells us a wonderful episode with the disciples. Jesus was alone and went “on a mountainside by himself to pray.”
“Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.” Wouldn’t you love to have seen that! The disciples became afraid, however, and thought Jesus was a ghost!
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Then Peter speaks out and tells Jesus that if it is Him, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” Jesus said.
Peter started off fine. He got out of the boat, a relatively safe place, and did start to walk on the water going to Jesus.
But “when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
“ImmediatelyJesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
We learn that, “when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’”
What a time!
We can be like Peter. We can call on Jesus and ask Him to let us join Him even in dangerous situations. We can start off in faith, just fine. But then we do as Peter did.
We take our eyes off Jesus! We look, notice and let the storm overwhelm us and we lose faith.
Life is full of storms —and trouble.
Let’s work to keep our eyes on Jesus even though the wind and waves are all around us. In Him we find peace and security.
Jesus is Who He is!
And He is bigger than any fear you may have!
