Excitement in the Boat: The Wind of Judgment (part 5, Luke. 8:23)

But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. (Luke 8:23 NASB)

We saw yesterday that the word translated as "fierce gale" literally means a whirlwind or hurricane. The word translated as "wind" is a bit of a surprise. anemos does mean a violent, whirling wind, but is used in Jeremiah and Daniel to indicate the four compass points, or corners of the earth, and (in those passages) symbolizes the judgment of God. 

What a perfect word to describe our human condition! When we are trapped in the whirlwind that sin always brings, facing the consequences that always follow, as well as the discipline of God, our Lord is ever near and ready to come to our aid. Instead of calling out to Jesus in our need, what do we do?  We manage the whirlwind as best we can, bailing like crazy, and putting ourselves in unnecessary danger. 

There is a tendency to think, "Well, I got myself into this, and I can get myself out," but that is flawed thinking. If we could "get ourselves out" of the whirlwind resulting from sin, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross would not have been necessary. 

Dear ones, there is no better way to handle the whirlwinds we face, whether they be as a result of our own choices or the unfolding of life, than to cry out to the One who can still the storm. Are you facing a whirlwind? Whatever the source of the wind, Jesus can handle it. Cry out to Him in your need and on behalf of those you love. He is near and will not fail you. He can help, and He will. 

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The link to last night's Friday Night with Friends is here: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/07/friday-night-with-friends-difference.html

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Our terrorist prayer focus this week is Abubakar Shekau. He is the leader of Boku Haram, a radical terrorist organization operating in northeastern Nigeria. He is particularly fond of kidnapping and murder, having kidnapped nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls (many who are still in captivity). Earlier this week, his forces captured a civilian-controlled town, murdered at least 100 people, and made the town his new headquarters. More than 22,000 have been killed in battle between his forces and the Nigerian military in the last few years. Earlier this week, two bombs in Abuja killed dozen more. Boku Haram is suspected. Please pray for an end to his reign of terror and for salvation for him and his men.