Encouragement

Taken By Storm

by Maria Franco
06/25/24
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How many times in life have we been taken by storm?
Perhaps a jolting situation, an unexpected development, a sudden turn in events and even out of the boxes scenarios. An overnight success, a big win, a world capturing moment, a huge invention and a breakthrough in technology.
We hear of people or ideas taking the Internet by storm.
However, we can also be taken by storm by surprising and beautiful occurrences, unimaginable scenes and special effects in the form of blessings catching us off guard?

Elijah was the greatest prophet of all times. He performed great feats, calling fire down from heaven, praying for rain after the heavens were shut for three years and having his prayers heard. Multiplying the oil and flour of the widow in Zarephath when she offered him her last meal and even praying over her dead son and bringing him back to life.
His disciple Elisha followed him everywhere. When it was time for Elijah to leave this world he was taken up in a chariot of fire and horses of fire, in a whirlwind because of his great zeal for the law of God.
Elisha who witnessed this spectacular sight was so overwhelmed and speechless. For just before Elijah was taken up, Elisha boldly asked him for a double portion of his spirit to which Elijah replied that if Elisha was able to see him as he was going up to heaven, then his wish would be granted him.  Elisha was blessed to see his master being taken high above the clouds into the heavens until he could see him no more. He then picked up Elijah's cloak which had fallen down and used it to strike the waters of the Jordan calling upon the God of Elijah who heard him instantly and the waters parted allowing Elisha to cross over.

Centuries before this another earth shaking incident occurred at the Red Sea. Moses struck the waters with his rod and God parted the sea to allow the Israelites to cross over to the bank on the other side on dry land as the waters walled on both sides. They thus escaped from the slavery of the Egyptians into freedom.
We see in the New Testament both Elijah and Moses appearing again on Mount Tabor when Jesus was transfigured and this experience both stunned and overwhelmed the three apostles with him, Peter, James and John

Maybe today we also desire to have a magic cloak or rod by which we can strike at the waters of trials that threaten to drown us. But the answer is the same as in the time of Moses and Elijah. God is repeating the same words. Be still. The Lord will fight for you. He will perform the miracles.
Today we are better equipped with both the power of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist. Both give us strength from within to call upon the name of the Lord and he will rush immediately to rescue and deliver us.

When the apostles saw Jesus ascending into heaven it must have blown their minds completely but Jesus promised them and to us as well that we too will one day be lifted up into heaven.
We too will experience the special effects of being taken by storm in the most glorious moment of life. If not in a chariot of fire but definitely with the fire of the Holy Spirit who will raise us from death to life.

Maria Franco