Turbulence Be Still!

 The men wondered in amazement, saying.”What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? Mathew 8:27 AMP 

"I have found my faith stretching its arms in every turbulence of life". ~Unknown

Have you ever experienced any turbulence? According to the national weather service turbulence is one of the most unpredictable of all the weather phenomena that are of significance to pilots all around the world. Turbulence is an irregular motion of air. It may be as insignificant as a few annoying bumps or severe enough to momentarily throw an airplane out of control or to cause structural damage. 

In 1995, I earned my first degree; and graduated from tourism and travel. I was given an opportunity to train as a flight attendant. My training took place in Memphis, Tennessee for six months through Northwest airline and later Continental airlines. I don't  recall training for moments of turbulence. Turbulence is common and most pilots are well trained for it. Periods of turbulence last an average of 10 to 15 minutes. I know for many, turbulence can be very uncomfortable. This might feel like a longer than normal flight. 

Just like being on a plane while going through moments of turbulence, life can hit us with  turbulence moments that feel like a lifetime.  We don't like curve balls, we definitely don't like to be tested. The bible says: “When you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. 

In life we experience turbulent moments and it is not a good feeling. Turbulence always happens when you are the least prepared and unexpected. Someone once said “Turbulence means nothing if God is the pilot”. Everyday we are faced with turbulence that takes our breath away. Life can be full of unexpected turbulence and you might feel like you're on a roller coaster. You don't even know how it started and what took you to that point. We must trust God as our pilot. You are probably facing a storm at this moment. Like the abrupt knock you around blasts of air that seems to randomly attack airplanes. Life includes trials, troubles and tribulations which can shake you up and threaten your stability.

The bible tells us that as they crossed the sea, a storm with winds so great that the disciples thought they would die. Jesus was sleeping. His disciples were so scared of the storm and that they rushed to wake up Jesus and ask him “Why didn't you care? Another translation says: “Teacher, don't you care if we drown? 

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Jesus woke up and told the storm to be still and the winds stopped immediately. The disciples were in shock and still lack faith that Jesus was the son of God who “Even the winds and water obey”.  The issue was not the storm but the disciples' fear of the storm. Have you ever asked God the same question as the disciples did? Lord, why have you forsaken me? Lord, do you care? Why have you abandoned me?

You are probably thinking that God has forgotten you. You feel unheard. You feel God is not answering your prayers. You cry out to God day and night, but God does not answer; and you find no rest. Jesus can relate. To be forsaken is to be lost, alone, and disconnected. Jesus cried out to the father in lonely desperation.  Jesus was bearing the sins of the world. 

Are you feeling lonely, have you  experienced unexpected turbulence? Don't let the storm stop you. Keep praying and talk to your storm. "Be still and know that I am God”. 

He can calm your storm. He knows what you are feeling. He understands your pain. He knows it hurts. Do not be dismayed. There are times that our little unbelieve and lack of faith; don't allow us to stay calm in the storm. Today, I like you to increase your faith as a mustard seed. “If  you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move”. 

The God that I know can calm your storm, God cares for you and your family.  He is the author of my story and the one and only that the wind and sea obey! “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 

Let's pray! 

Father God, when I feel lonely, remind me that you will never forsake me. Please comfort me with your presence. Cultivate my heart a place where I am well with being quiet, alone, and still while knowing that you are in my storm with me. Father, come into my heart. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. Father God, calm my storm, calm my turbulence, I know that even the sea and winds obey you Lord. There is nothing impossible for you.  I trust your Love God, and know that you will help me through  this storm. In Jesus name. Amen.