God of the Storm

I’m sitting in front of my computer tonight listening to the sound of the wind howling outside. It feels good to hear that sound again after many months of sweltering heat. It’s quite incredible to think that barely weeks ago, it was so hot here in Metro Manila that not even my air conditioning system was enough to cool my little room. It’s good to be reminded that after that heat, there are still days and nights when rain would pound on my roof and the wind would make that lovely sound as it bounces off my window.

Yes it’s already the rainy season here in the Philippines, and while my blogging friends from the US and other parts of the world are talking about summer over at Bridget Chumbley’s blog, I’m writing about the typhoon that’s about to hit Metro Manila in a few hours. Our local weather bureau just announced signal number 1 over Manila some hours ago while the other parts of the country are in signal numbers 2 and 3. Elementary and high school classes are suspended tomorrow. There might be floods in Manila if rain would pour even for an hour. We have the worst drainage in the world.

While these thoughts run in my head, I am reminded of the story when Jesus was crossing the lake with His disciples. A storm rose and large waves broke over the boat. The disciples were so alarmed that they had to wake Jesus up. We all know how the story ended-Jesus calmed the storm with His word. What’s great about this story is the fact that our Lord is the God of the seasons and the weather. He is not surprised when storms hit us.

(PAUSE: The power just went out. I’ll probably post this tomorrow when my internet connection is back. Outside, the wind is getting louder. Maybe it’s already ripping the roofs of the neighborhood apart.)

Now back to my blog.

Jesus is not surprised when storms hit us. Why? Because He is also the God of the storm. Winds obey Him, the same way that the summer sun obeys His orders. And while other people from other parts of the world are enjoying summer right now, I am keeping my head down until this storm is over. We serve the same God and even through this dark night when I have to type my post using my laptop’s battery, I enjoy the same peace and calm with you guys over there.

On the bright side, I really enjoy the sound of the wind outside. I know I already said that. I even posted that on my Facebook status before the power went out. Can’t help it, there’s just something about the rain and the wind that calms my soul. Maybe it has something to do with my childhood memories of the safety of staying indoors whenever there’s a typhoon. Or maybe it’s the idea that God is in control. I don’t know.

In the mean time, I’m gonna have to sit back and enjoy this ride. I’ll deal with the mess tomorrow when the sun comes up. Good night, you guys from the Blog Carnival.

Death Strike

Something interesting is happening in my corner of the blogosphere. Bridget Chumbley of One Word at a Time, Peter Pollock of Rediscovering the Church and Ginny started this blog carnival where Christian bloggers blog about one particular word for the week. This week, the word is OBEDIENCE. *Sigh.* Not a bad idea, it’s just that the word isn’t catchy at all. You might as well blog about servanthood, martyrdom or how to jump into the lion’s den.

But why does this word compel me to write at 2 in the morning?

Because this is not a popular topic in church nowadays. Many people would rather hear sermons on prosperity, improving one’s self- image, success, and lots of social commentaries in the pulpit than hear about obedience. What they fail to consider is that without obedience, we can never be what God wants us to become, or go wherever God wants us to go.

The story of Moses striking the rock twice in Number 20 is one example worth revisiting. God specifically told Moses to speak to the rock for the water to pour out. The command was explicit but the execution was a little faulty. Moses didn’t obey God. Instead of speaking to the rock, he verbally lashed out on the people and struck the rock with his staff.

The water gushed out all right but his disobedience cost him his ticket to the promised land. Except for Caleb and Joshua, Moses died in the wilderness along with the rest of the stubborn Israelites. What a sad, sad conclusion for a great man’s ministry.

What was his sin? He dishonored God by his disobedience. God must really, really be serious about obedience.