(maybe a group discussion starter)
The storms of life usually do not come unannounced. Like a great hurricane, they often begin to develop at another time or place in our lives. We can see the potential chaos, destruction, loss left in the wake of approaching upheaval. We can anticipate the impact such a storm might bring to us.
The Christian life is not a pleasure cruise through placid seas of an idyllic world. The Christian life is a crossing from a world of sin and death to the land of eternal splendor and everlasting holiness. The crossing is essential to the obtaining.
There is a pirate who is trying to scuttle our ship and steal our prize, and he will use every trick and weapon available to destroy us, including the natural as well as the supernatural elements. However, the Master of the sea and the King of the universe has made provision for the safe, but dangerous voyage of those who choose to make heaven their home.
Though faith, repentance and obedience may forestall some catastrophes, there are occasions when we can do nothing to avoid the impending danger. In those situations, we must clear the decks of our lives from any and all debris and we must secure our essential gear and valuable cargo, batten down the hatches to prevent the flooding in of crashing waves, and put out our big anchor to weather the torrents of the storm. Always listen to and trust the all wise and ever competent Captain of your soul. Storms leave scars but they do not have to leave ruin.
