Be Still
Let Jesus Calm Your Storms

Author:  Cherie Hill

 

 

On the Sea of Galilee, the Disciples and Jesus faced a storm. While Jesus sat in the back of the boat, the Disciples feared for their lives. Then there was a miracle. Jesus calmed the storm and the Disciples realized that faith in His awesome power was all they needed to survive. Mark 4:35-40 tells us the story and forces us to answer the same question that Jesus posed to the disciples: "Have you still no faith?"

 

The author uses ample amounts of Scripture to illustrate the support we have from God in the storms we face in modern life. While we may not be on a boat in the middle of a storm at sea, we are in the boat of life. Whether we choose to panic like the Disciples or rest in the back with Jesus is the true test of faith. Knowing that if we cry out to God, He will guide us through any storm is the key to living a relaxed life. In addition to the book, the author has created a website, www.ScriptureNow.com, to go along with the text.

 

This book is an easy read that could be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. With a message for everyone and Scripture to back up the advice, this book offers a glimpse at the light at the end of the tunnel. Reiterated often, the message is simple yet profound- the Lord is there if you will seek His hand in your life, through your storms, through the peace, always. When we choose to understand His role in our lives and start to see that He may not save us from the thunder and rain, we can begin to realize the potential for His helping us withstand the storms of life. Understanding the miracle of “Jesus Calms the Storm” helps to apply the miracle to our own lives.

 

While the book and choice of supporting Scriptures is overall an enjoyable read, there are many times that the offset margins of the book and editing flaws detract from the message. Often, it is difficult to discern when the author’s voice stops and the Scripture begins without looking forward for a notation. Much of the book is repetitive, although this does, on occasion, assist in making the point all the more clear. The overall message of the book would be more concise and clear with better physical set-up of the text and less repetition of some of the Scriptures used.

 

There is great potential for this book to be used in therapeutic settings or within small groups focused on healing, stress, tragedy and so on. Personally, this reviewer found that in the midst of a personal storm, this book was of great service and quite comforting.

 

Review contributed by: Amy Meeves. She attends Timberline Church in Fort Collins, CO and is a member of the Meals Ministry team. She is an avid reader of Christian non-fiction and spiritual, contemporary literature and works as an editor.