When a Storm Hits: Hear it, Use It

Monday June 20, 2011


We’ve all heard and read enough about storms this spring to fear them. In the wake of disastrous tornadoes, I’ve dreaded the beginning of our Florida hurricane season more than usual.

But life holds other storms; sometimes we see them hovering on the horizon, and sometimes we’re blindsided. Sunday, our pastor used the story of Jairus (Luke 8:40-56) to help us shore up against life’s storms.

How can we be ready? By remembering a few key things from the story of Jairus.

  • When a storm hits, family trumps work.

  • Jairus was a synagogue ruler, a pretty important guy. But he left everything and went out into the countryside to find Jesus. It may seem easier to bury yourself in work (or something else) than to face the problem, but remember—when storms hit, family comes first.

  • Humility is a necessary by-product of the storm.

  • Look at how Jairus approached Jesus. He didn’t take Him aside and speak in his best synagogue official voice. Jairus fell at Jesus’s feet—not in private but in front of the crowd. Swaggering in the face of a storm is simply foolhardy.

  • Honestly assess the damage.

  • Jairus came right to the point. Fearing that his daughter was dying, he asked Jesus to come to his home. See storm signals on the horizon? Don’t kid yourself.

  • When God is involved, don’t be discouraged by initial reports.

  • Even though in verse 49, some from Jairus’s household came with the news that his daughter was already dead, Jairus listened to Jesus as He said, “Don’t be afraid.” Regardless of the outcome of the storm, these words bring peace and healing: “Don’t be afraid.”

    Our Father is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes.

    Hold on through the storm—and trust Him.



    Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

    5 comments:

    Unknown said...

    I love these words of wisdom that you share, Laura. They hit a soft spot in my heart.

    Connie said...

    "When God is involved, don’t be discouraged by initial reports."...amen! We haven't heard the truth, till we've heard from JESUS.

    Shanda said...

    haha...I wrote on this same passage tonight but from a different angle! What I love about Jesus saying, "Don't be afraid," is that he was speaking about his daughter. Our children are what we have the most fears and worries about yet He has them in his hands and heart.

    Michelle DeRusha said...

    This comes at a good time for me, just home from my friend's dad's funeral. He really was like family to me -- we lived one house down from them for my whole life, right up until I got married. So I didn't give it a second thought to plunk down a bunch of money to fly home, to be with them and my family, grieving and rejoicing a life.

    Thanks for this, Laura.

    Jenny said...

    Laura, I like the way you think. I love the way you write.

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