Jesus In The Storm

"The storm clouds looked ominous..."

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as gusts of wind made it more challenging to drive on the highway, as I watched gathering storm clouds. “This may be a difficult day to travel,” I thought to myself with the unusual storm clouds forming all around the Phoenix horizon.

Pressing on, I returned my car to the rental agency and quickly caught the speeding train to the terminal. And once through security and the long walk to my gate, I was reassured that my first leg of the flight to St. Louis had not been canceled.

“Just get me home,” was the only thought in my mind. I was weary from a tragic death and the funeral of a dearly loved close friend who was like family, just a few days before. Exhausted and grief-stricken from the funeral and the week, I wanted the comfort of my husband and my bed back home.

However, on the second flight to Little Rock, the plane was only 1/3 full, so passengers had entire rows to spread out. It looked promising as we prepared to land in Little Rock until the steward announced that swirling clouds and possible tornadoes required a return to St. Louis. It was already past 11:00 by then, and I had been traveling all day. “Maybe it’s not such a good day to travel after all,” I sighed wearily.

A collective groan went up on the plane. Once the plane returned to the gate, we sat there as the crew tried to determine another plan at midnight! And with this crew already timed out, we knew it wasn’t promising.

"We were all weary..."

At first, I was too frustrated and oblivious to those around me. I just wanted to be home. But then I noticed a woman in front of me praying for other passengers around her.

Curious, I got up to find out what was happening and to let go of my frustrations. Florence introduced me to Phyllis and her granddaughter, stating she was trying to get to her dying son-in-law’s side at UAMS before he passed away. “Oh, Jesus! That cast a whole new light of urgency on their travels,” I thought!

Then I met Krystal, a young woman returning from her grandmother’s funeral. In the airport, she learned her mother had just been killed in a car wreck. “How does anyone face such devastating news back-to-back without the comfort of a Savior?” I wondered.

Now my heart of compassion was moved like Jesus to minister to these hurting women as well.

Soon, Florence pointed out a man with a large blue box he was carrying. “It’s a kidney for a transplant for someone in Little Rock, we need to pray he gets there with the organ in time.” That need also really changed my focus. I offered to rent a car and drive the man and the kidney to Little Rock. He assured me, though, that the company was working on another plan.

Though none of us made it out of St. Louis that night and we were fortunate to make a flight out the following day, I realized Jesus had a purpose even in the storm to reach out to the hurting, the weary, and the confused, and to show His love and compassion… And Florence led the way constantly looking to help other weary travelers on that flight, that night, and the following day.

"What started as a group of strangers became a band of friends..."

At first, I was completely blind and self-centered, just wanting to be home. But Jesus was in the midst of the storm. Florence gave me eyes to see Him and follow His lead; she even comforted me in my grief, letting me cry on her shoulder. What about you? Can you look for Jesus amid the storm and be His heart to those around you? Florence led the way those two days; let Jesus be your guide as well.

Beloved:

If you will surrender to my lead, I always want to work and move through you—even in the storms of life. You are to be My heart, My hands, and My feet to the hurting crowds around you: one life at a time. Look for My ways in the storm.

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)