Back in the day, there was a well-known comedy sketch by Bill Cosby. The premise involved a conversation between God and Noah who was asked to build an ark. One of the key lines spoken by God in this humorous exchange is when Noah starts to push back and complain. God simply says, “Noah, how long can you tread water?”

Today we hear in the Gospel of Mark about the disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A violent storm comes out of nowhere and the disciples fearing for their lives, find Jesus unaware as he peacefully slumbers. Raising their voices above the storm they shout, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

It is always right to go to the Lord in times of difficulty and insurmountable obstacles. It is always wrong to assume because Jesus is not responding how we expect that he doesn’t care. God can never be accused of not caring-that is an impossibility.

You can trust 100% of the time that God wills what’s best for you,
because 100% of the time He loves you.

We all have storms that come into our lives seemingly out of nowhere. How we respond is very telling. It is then that our faith is tested and our trust in God is brought to the fore.

It is easy to be a Christian when we are sailing on smooth waters and our faith is easily practiced with little outside resistance. However, when it is tested in illness, unruly children, or rude people who won’t scoot over in the pew, this is where we can shine or fall flat.

Nothing weak becomes strong without an outside force to resist.

We don’t like being caught in a storm. It messes with our plans and causes anxiety. It reminds us that we are not in control and that there are bigger forces at work in the world that will stomp all over our well-laid plans. I have heard people say, “God why do you hate me so much.” when their trivial plans are disrupted. Being Christian doesn’t mean we get only butterflies, sunny days, and a strife-free life. Who would suggest such a fantasy?  Who would be so deceptive?

Oh.

That’s who.

“Every Christian must be thoroughly convinced that his spiritual life can in no way be viewed as the quiet unfolding of an inconsequential life without any problems; rather it must be viewed as the scene of a constant and sometimes painful battle, which will not end until death–a struggle against evil, temptation and the sin that is in him.”                            Fr. Jacque Phillippe

So, what are we to learn through these storms in life? Think about it, Jesus was in the boat the whole time. It wasn’t until they surrendered the situation to Christ that it was resolved.

Surrender the storms!

Anxiety, worry, and fear rob us of our inner peace.  Jesus said to Faustina, “My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue.” (Diary, 1488)

Surrender the storms!

Not only are these trials opportunities to pump-up spiritual muscles, but God is growing us stronger in virtue, holiness, and trust. Jesus shows us that despite total chaos and fear all around him, one can still possess total interior peace. Where does this come from? Complete trust and surrender to the Father. Nothing happens outside of His Will or Providence. Jesus knows He is loved and precious to His Father. We too are beloved sons and daughters of the Father who only wants what is best for us and to spend eternity with us.

Surrender the Storms!

On the final day of the Surrender Novena this is the reflection;

“Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance, and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it”. Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this.”

Surrender the Storms!