Through the Storm

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:23-27

Josh glanced up from his book when he heard a rumbling sound. Maybe it was just an airplane flying overhead or their neighbor’s motorcycle.

He tried to read again, but suddenly there was a flash and then a louder rumbling that was definitely thunder. He remembered last April when a line of tornados had come through, one after the other. Thankfully he and his family had been safe, but he couldn’t forget that terrible feeling of fear when the tornado sirens went off—the same fear that squeezed his stomach now.

Josh ran to the garage and came back with his bicycle helmet. He then grabbed some pillows and brought them to the laundry room, their safe place. As he set himself up in the corner, Mom looked in on him. “You’ve got just about everything you need to be safe in a storm.” She paused a moment, then said, “Let me just get a sharp knife for you to hold.”

Josh looked up, surprised. “Why would I need a knife?”

“You’re prepared for the storm, but it seems like you’ve decided you need to hold on to something dangerous.”

“But I’m not holding on to anything,” Josh said, showing her his empty hands.

“You’re holding on to fear,” Mom said. “It’s made you forget that Jesus is taking care of you.” She sat down next to Josh. “I’m not really going to get you a knife. That would be useless and maybe even harmful in this situation—just as useless and harmful as your fear. Any idea what you could hold on to instead?”

Instead of answering, Josh hurried to his room. A minute later he was back with something tucked under his arm. “I should hold on to God’s promises because I know He has promised to take care of me,” he said as he placed his Bible in his mom’s lap.

She smiled. “It’s still a good idea to be prepared for storms in life, but we should never forget who made the winds and the rain. We need to remember that Jesus has saved us and promises to never leave us. No matter what happens, He’s in control.” Mom opened the Bible, and they started reading about God’s promises as the thunder rumbled away. – Mary Rozendal

How About You?

Does it feel like you’re holding on to fear? Are you worried about storms or war or cancer? It’s normal to be afraid and to prepare for difficult times, but remember that God is bigger than the storms in your life. He loves you and will never leave you, even when bad things happen. Hold on to His promises and trust Him to help you let go of your fear.

Today’s Key Verse: Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Today’s Key Thought:

Hold on to God’s promises