* THROUGH the Storms !!

"SO, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you (*ISAIAH 41:10)."
"WHAT a beautiful sunny morning! It was one of those rare days in early June. But by early afternoon the clouds began to come up very fast. The sky grew darker and darker, so black that only the streaks of sharp lightning gave any light. IT was the most furious storm I had ever witnessed. The wind and rain beat against the house, and thunder rumbled until the earth shuddered.

A small, tearful voice called, "Mommy, are you afraid?" I held my child tightly in my arms, not wanting to admit that I was afraid. "Can we pray?" asked the small, trembling voice. SHE prayed a few simple words, telling Jesus that we were afraid and asking Him to take care of us. THEN, in a trusting voice, she said, "Now I can take my nap. Jesus will take care of us."

WHEN the storms of life OVERWHELM us, WHEN death robs us of the one we hold dear, WHEN loneliness sweeps in, WHEN we feel friendless, WHEN pain envelops us, WHEN our faith is faltering and we are fearful, how do we react? DO we cry out, "WHY has God permitted THIS affliction and pain? WHY has He taken my loved one? I DO not understand why my plans have been overturned."

HAS the sweetness vanished from life? ARE you troubled AND afraid? God longs to heal OUR hurts AND give Victory over our fears, but He waits for us to cry-out to Him. He responds to our MOST desperate needs as we TRUST Him during the storms of LIFE." MILDRED SCHLEH