Daily Devotional for October 7

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October 7                                                      Matthew 8:18-27

Floridians are fascinated - possibly terrified, perhaps even
petrified - but definitely fascinated by hurricanes. As a
newcomer to the state a few years ago, I was amazed at the
amount of effort that goes into preparation for storms that
seldom come.

Beginning shortly after Easter and continuing well into fall,
strategies for surviving the big wind are broadcast, published,
and televised repeatedly for eager audiences. Phone books in-
clude tracking maps so that residents need not be surprised
if the storm does come.

When hurricane Elena parked off the Tampa coast a few years
ago, the world, or at least our part of it, stopped for three days.

At the risk of sounding jaded, I must confess that I couldn't
understand what all the fuss was about. I don't mean to belit-
tle the mighty force of hurricanes - the wind did blow and
the rain did fall. But I'd seen worse, much worse, a year earlier
when a string of deadly spring tornadoes ripped through my
native North Carolina. And those folks had no warning. I'll
take my chances in a hurricane over a tornado any day.

Unfortunately, we don't often have a choice. Like the people
in Florida and in North Carolina, we must take whatever storms
come our way. And sometimes our lives are filled with quick
and nasty tornadoes that sneak up without warning.

Like the "great storm" that frightened the disciples, the storms
that we meet with most often come suddenly. We may not
have the benefit of tracking maps or televised warnings, but
we can still plan our survival strategy.

During those rough times, it's reassuring to know that we've
already invited Jesus Christ aboard our "boat." Christ can con-
trol not only the sea and the wind, but everything else, too.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989