In Israel, Mt. Hermon towers over the sea of Galilee and is the source of sudden changes of weather on the lake.
Some fishermen were sailing with Jesus one time and were caught up in a life-threatening storm. Fearing for their lives, they pled for Jesus to intercede. In Luke 8:24, Jesus “…rebuked the wind and raging waters, the storm subsided, and all was calm.”
Colorado mountains provide the same weather pattern. One day the climate is superb; hours later it can be frightening. I know; I discovered it firsthand.
I had had a profound spiritual experience. But why had it not resolved health problems? Work challenges? Financial and family stress? Perhaps a Colorado camping trip might ease the tension.
Our campsite was near the summit of Monarch Pass. It was a beautiful day. Puffy white clouds punctuated the rich blue skies. Behind us were a few snow-capped peaks, and before us spread a wide valley. At an evening campfire all seemed right with the world, except my personal concerns still weighed heavily on my heart.
In the middle of the night everything changed. Thunder and lightning filled the sky. Fierce wind, rain and heavy hail threatened to destroy our flimsy tent shelter and perhaps us with it. There seemed no respite.
But as suddenly as the storm had enveloped us, it was gone, rumbling off down the valley to the east. However, the storm had been so unnerving it was impossible to sleep. I crept out of the tent and sat on large rock at the edge of the campground.
The storm made its trek east, and above me the sky sparkled with what seemed to be the most brilliant star display I’d ever seen. The silence of the night filled my heart with calm and peace.
Then I glanced to my left and there was a small brilliant light in the sky — more pronounced because of the inky black sky. At first it was impossible to comprehend what it was, but then it became obvious; the rising sun to the east was reflecting off a snow-capped mountain. Slowly the mountain emerged, and a new day began.
To me, the experience symbolized a new life. Like the footprints that had been washed away by the storm, my past concerns seemed to have been swept away. I found peace and relief as my heart was warmed, and I sensed what the fishermen might have sensed and marveled at as Jesus calmed the storm in Galilee so many years ago.
Then the realization struck me: If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. Just trust God, and have faith — there can be peace amid life’s storms.
Bruce Mitchell is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Sent comments to [email protected]
