We are no strangers to stormy conditions in these islands, exposed as we are to the swells of the Atlantic Ocean. They are part of our lives as much as the much loved long sunny days of the recent summer. All sunshine makes a desert, of course, and we know that these dark days are part of the cycle of life that should be enjoyed (!) and not just endured. But that's tough, isn't it? We welcome the calm sunshine and even bright cold, but grey, stormy weather can be both intimidating and depressing.
Storms have also marked our personal lives. The first two volumes of my 'storm' trilogy, Braving the Storm and Storm Force, told of my long battle with the howling winds and life-threatening episodes of serious ill health. In February 2020 the third book will be published - Through the Storms: a manual for when life hurts. You can email me at ericgaudion@me.com to pre-order now, or click on the links to go to Amazon to do so. Diane and I have proved that you can survive the storms without being permanently knocked off course and without going under for the third time!
As the wind rages around me outside this study, I thank God for his faithfulness and presence even in the middle of the storms of life. Jesus once slept in a boat that was being threatened with being overwhelmed by a storm, and his disciples were terrified. Just his amazing presence was enough, though, to guarantee their survival. When he was finished with the storm, like a man calling his dog to heel, Jesus stood up and said: 'Peace! Be Still' and it was over. No wonder the fishermen with him asked each other 'what kind of person is this that even the storm obeys him?'
