So, here in Florida, summer is on display everywhere! We have had a few days of very heavy rain, with enough thunder and lightning to produce adrenalin in the bravest heart! Huge old trees surround us here on the St Johns, and some of our neighbors have even removed giants near their homes, in fear of possible branch attacks! I always feel a sense of loss when I see the energy of years being cut up for firewood. But such is life, I’m told…

We don’t get waves on our part of the river, only beautiful lacy patterns as the rain disturbs the surface, somehow robbing even the most violent storm of its power to intimidate me. But for the disciples on the sea of Galilee there was no such pretty pattern on the water. The storm that came up created huge waves that threatened to destroy them. They must have been confused and perhaps even angry with Jesus for sending them out alone. I believe their fear paralyzed their thinking to the extent that it robbed them of their ability to recognize the Lord when He came walking on that angry water. Deep down I like to think that if I had been there, I would have shouted in relief, “Oh! THERE you are! I was just getting worried!” 😊 But maybe, just maybe, fear would have distorted my vision too, making me see Him as something else – a ghost, a phantom of fear.

We live in extraordinarily stormy times. The Bible says: “Men’s courage will fail completely as they realize what is threatening the world, for the very powers of heaven will be shaken. Then men will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and splendor! But when these things begin to happen, look up, hold your heads high, for you will soon be free.” (Luke 21:26 Phillips). I have come to understand that I must guard my understanding of who Jesus Christ is with every fiber of my being. Distorted vision is all around and there seems to be no end to selective and seductive interpretations of His Word.

So, back to the storm brewing right now. All I need to make this a perfect afternoon is to look up and see my Lord Jesus revealed on one of these huge clouds gathering above our home. And if the trumpet sang out "Come!" I would raise my arms, launch myself toward heaven and shout as loudly as I could, “At last You’re here! What took you so long Lord?”

Revelations 22:20: He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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