The storm hit with surprising speed.

Thunder, lightning and then heavy rain. The Christian man hiking the trail wished he had stayed in his RV. Then he saw it—something that changed his life. Up on the mountain—in a cleft in the rock—was a bird sitting on her nest while singing merrily away, dry and unafraid of the storm now raging all around. 

That man learned the lesson that Jesus wants to teach you and me. 

He is Lord of the storms and, like that little bird, He has in the cleft of the Rock—Himself. Nations are toppling. Wars are raging. Babies are aborted as "just fetuses." Man and wife—marriage—is redefined by little judges in long robes. Terror flexes its muscles while righteousness appears to be losing. 

But wait! Why be surprised or afraid?

Christ guaranteed rough days and persecution for His followers. Paul called them "perilous times." But always—always!—there are fearful people listening for a song of hope. Like 14 year old Leonardo who showed up with his father to work at my home, studied my life and felt God's love, and opened his heart to Christ. And 86 year old Jeanie whom we met in California before she returned to Pennsylvnia. Jeanie called to wish Norma and me a happy anniversary and heard God's call of forgiveness, hope and eternal life. She prayed to receive the Lord Jesus—right over the phone!

On and on it goes. Multiply this many times in the lives of our spiritual children all around the world. I teach them, "Don't be afraid. Be alert! This is not the time for the shudders. It's time for the song."

We've a story to tell to the nations, and sin's darkness is no match for God's light!

Thanks for your help!

Frank