RCPC Greatest Hit from Martha Edmunds in 2002
Mark 4:35-39
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
I panic! My savior, Jesus Christ, doesn’t panic! Isn’t that too wonderful for words? When crisis arises, my prayer life intensifies, and I seek the counsel of the person who always seems calm, level-headed, and clear-thinking. I look to that “rock” of a person for calm, comfort, and guidance.
In Florida, Keith fell, broke his hip, and gashed open his head. A hotel employee brought me the stunning news and added, “He wants you to come.” I felt so utterly alone because my “rock” was the fallen who had sent for me. Following the message-bearer, prayer gushed from my heart and soul. I have never seen Keith injured. I was panicking. My Lord and Savior who had welcomed my prayer didn’t panic. He infused my frightened mind and trembling body with a calm that was foreign to me, and yet it slipped over me in a custom fit. My God-given calm merged into complete and absolute trust that God was in control and that my job was to acknowledge his presence and to stay close to him.
From the moment the EMS arrived at the hotel until a week later when another brought us home from the Roanoke airport, it was an incredible, God-directed experience. “A furious squall came up” (Keith’s injury) “and the waves broke over the boat” (God’s blessings poured upon us in our crisis.) “Quiet. Be still.” (God’s peace)
Lord, keep me aware of your wisdom, power, and desire to guide me in everything. Amen.