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Greetings to you! These certainly are interesting times that we are now experiencing. For many, the COVID-19 situation elicits many emotions on various levels. For sure, fear, worry, doubt and anxiousness are in the air. Hence, thinking clearly, acting responsibly and banding together as never before are the orders of the day. Peace, calm and assurance, in the midst of uncertainty, are top shelf commodities, of which there are no expiration dates.

I reach out to you in faith, peace and calm today. In Mark 4:35 – 41, Jesus embarked upon a journey with his closest disciples out onto the Sea of Galilee. He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” His disciples did not comprehend that this was not just an invitation, but a prophetic instruction. Jesus, from the onset of this journey, let them know that they were going to make it to the other side. Immediately, they separated from the crowd and took Jesus in the boat with them. As they were traveling, a great storm came down upon them. During the storm, Jesus was fast asleep on a cushion. This greatly troubled the disciples that he could find rest in the midst of the storm. They panicked because of the storm, and strongly questioned Jesus, “Don’t you care that we are about to die?” Jesus then arose and commanded the storm to cease by saying, “Peace, be still.” Immediately, there was a great calm which caused the disciples to be amazed and to be brought to their knees in worship.

Much of what we read in these verses is what is playing out right before our eyes. Jesus offers peace in the midst of the storms. He assures us that we, together, are going to make it through to the other side of these troubles. One great key to weathering life’s uncertain times is sticking close to Jesus.

For your comfort and assurance, I offer the words to the beautiful hymn written by Helen Howarth Lemmel, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,”

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

In the midst of this storm, we are here for you. If you need prayer, encouragement or a listening ear, please call or text us at 507-473-0376.

The Rev. George Marin

Grace Christian Church