The Calm and the Storm

"The LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up" (Jonah 1:4).

I have recently been studying and preaching through the Book of Jonah. It has been about six years since I have done so. Jonah may be my favorite Old Testament book. There's just so much in the book. Studying and preaching through it again has reminded me Scripture is alive and always relevant. I have learned so much reading, studying and preaching through it for a second time.

As I was preparing last week, I was reading a commentary on Jonah by James Boice. There was one incredible statement he made that resounded with me. He wrote, "The Lord who can calm the troubled waters of your life is the same Lord who can stir them up to a great frenzy." He was referencing the contrast between Jonah 1:4 and Matthew 8:26-27. For with Jonah, the disobedient, runaway prophet, Scripture teaches that God literally hurled a storm upon the sea to prevent him from continuing his plan of running from God's presence. The storm served as God's agent to prevent Jonah from running any further away for that which God had called him to do. But a different scene takes place in Matthew's account of the life of Jesus Christ.

There in Matthew chapter eight, Jesus is in the boat with His disciples heading to the other side. Like Jonah, Jesus had gone below and fallen fast asleep. Just like in Jonah, a storm came upon the sea. In both instances, the boat was endangered and the sailors, experienced seamen, feared for their lives. While the specific cause of the storm may differ, there was still a major storm. And in the latter situation, God's power was seen differently. James Boice points this out in his statement. God is the One who is able to stir up or calm down the waters of the sea. He is also the One who can stir up or calm down the waters of our lives.

As I read those words in my study of God's word, I was deeply encouraged. Lately I've felt as though the waters have been somewhat stirred to a frenzy. While I believe it isn't a result of my disobedience (as was the issue with Jonah), nonetheless the waters have seemed turbulent. Being reminded that the God who stirred them up in an effort to bring Jonah back to Himself is also able to calm them with a simple, "Peace, be still," reassured and comforted my heart. I believe God once again spoke to me by His word, for which I am always grateful.

The turbulent waters seem a bit calmer at this moment. Micah did come home Monday afternoon. Yesterday, we were able to celebrate Ethan's 3rd birthday, but only after Micah took a trip to Duke last evening because his central line (yes, once again) got a hole in it. It was able to be repaired and he, Sarah and Sarah's mom arrived back home around 8:00 PM when we finally celebrated, officially, Ethan's birthday.

Micah seems to be feeling much better. He continues to get three separate antibiotics (2 by IV and 1 in the form of ear drops). We are not certain as to what the plan may be regarding the lung biopsy. For now it has just been postponed indefinitely.

Thank you for praying for Micah and our family. May God richly bless you for your incredible love for us and prayers on our behalf.