“Today I was awakened by a great storm. The wind was raging, and it was raining in torrents, thunderbolts striking again and again. I began to pray that the storm would do no harm, when I heard the words: “Say the chaplet I have taught you, and the storm will cease”. I began immediately to say the chaplet and hadn’t even finished it when the storm suddenly ceased, and I heard the words: “Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1731
“Save us,Lord; we are perishing.” And he said tothem, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was agreat calm.” Matthew 8:25-26
The Lord’s mastery over creation shows us that He truly is divine. Commands to the sea and waves can only be issued by God (Job 38:8-11, Psalm 65:5-6).
God both permits storms and delivers us through them so that we can see His protection more clearly. Christ’s rebuke of the storm is also an illustration of His calming the tempests in the human heart.
It is hard for man (especially this man) to understand why God allows storms. Both the physical storms that rage over the globe and sometime cause damage and death as well as those ‘private’ storms that rage within our lives. “Why would a good God allow evil?” Is a question asked by millions through the ages. I can’t answer that, I don’t even pretend to know God’s plan or why things happen, permissively or otherwise.
I do know from personal experience that these permitted storms do matter to eternity, and to one’s faith. Simply put, God allows storms that He may calm them. That doesn’t sound right, almost prideful of God. He allows storms so He can show off His power and dominion over creation. Maybe, but, look at it in a broader scope. God allows the storm so the soul can see we have no power to control it. In this base knowledge, the soul comes to understand its only hope rests in ‘waking’ God to save it. When the soul realizes and acts in this faith, God calms the storm, even if it doesn’t go away. The soul grows in trust of God’s dominion and finds peace in God.
God allows the storm, that He may call it. God allows the tempest of the heart that He may teach it trust. God allows this all that the souls may come to find peace in Him.
When the storm rages about you, do you turn to Jesus knowing only He can bring calm? More so, do you find a place of peace and absolute trust even when the storm isn’t calmed (yet)?
Make no mistake, a storm is on the horizon, but know without doubt that Jesus reigns over any and all storms. Only He can calm the ones within.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27