“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?“~Mark 4:35-41 KJV
Source: Sports Spectrum
When starting out on a journey, it is not uncommon for one to become fearful of making a wrong turn or some other mistake. This can be especially true when one is seeking her passion in life to create a meaningful and successful career. It can be a confusing and overwhelming time for anyone.
The pressure is even more intense if she chooses a male-dominated industry like Kelli Masters did. There will be storms . . . small ones like a gentle rain but huge ones like Hurricane Ida too. Most of us can handle the gentle rain. It is expected as rain is always needed for growth. It is the major storms that can shake us to our core.
We could be preparing for a major exam or the Olympics when all of sudden a storm or several storms could enter our life. It could be a simple storm like a faucet breaking in our abode to a major storm like an injury or illness at a peak time in our life. How we respond will be a determining factor of our success. However, that storm despite its severity is not necessarily an indicator that we are in the wrong place . . . that we have chosen the wrong path for our life. If we have sought God’s face in determining our journey, then that storm is an indication we are right where we are supposed to be.
That’s where preparation and boldness meet the winds of the storm. As Jason Romano recites in the interview, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV).”
In that instance, it is crucial for us to prepare. We need to keep studying the Word of God, praying, and listening to God’s voice. We need to meet the challenge head-on in boldness being ever steadfast. We have to keep studying film, researching, learning our lessons, meeting everyday needs, practicing, maintaining nutritional needs, getting the proper rest, going to work, or whatever. We have to prepare.
Just because the storm comes doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place as Kelli Master’s friend explained to her. In Matthew 8:22-27 (Mark 4:35-41), the disciples were in the right place when the storm hit. In their fear, they woke Jesus to seek His help. He told the wind to be still and everything was right in the world for the disciples again. God is the Creator of storms, and Jesus promised we would be able to do what He did (John 5:19, John 14:12).
As I heard one pastor preach, if you’re not facing storms it’s more likely that you’re living for Satan than for God. Remember, Jesus is the calm in the storm. Prepare and pray. Repeat. That is the formula to reaching your God-given destiny. When others sling mud and sprinkle doubt, be steadfast in the storm that surrounds you. Don’t be afraid of the storms life throws at you but do seek the Shelter of the Lord.
