2127) I was fortunate to have been raised in a Christian family and attended a Christian school. Because of this, I had a high exposure to the Bible.  

Mark 4 contains a story I remember from a very early age. In verses 35-41, we read of Jesus and his disciples in a boat during a storm. Jesus was taking a nap when the storm hit.  

When this happened, the men panicked. This alone speaks volumes because these men, many being fishermen, were used to being out on the water and navigating during storms. This one had to be fierce.  

The passage goes on to say some disciples were angry that Jesus was sleeping and not aware of what was happening. When they woke Jesus up, they vent their anger saying, don’t you care about our lives being in jeopardy?  

Then Jesus said to the storm, “Peace. Be still.”

In reading this passage, I find it interesting that Jesus does not say, “Be still. Peace.” In other words, the peace will come before the storm, and not the other way around.  

As I meditate on this, I notice when I trust God with something, I can be filled with peace. This is possible because I know whatever difficulties come my way, God is in control rather than my foolish attempts to control something I cannot.  

Having peace before storms hit makes it easier to navigate successfully when they come our way.