Storm damaged pier at Ocean City, Maryland
Even though it is late in the hurricane season, there is no denying that Hurricane Sandy, which has been nicknamed "Frankenstorm" because of its close proximity to Halloween, is a massive storm that could have a very dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people in coming days. The attitude and efforts of individuals and families regarding how they handle their preparations for this forecasted adverse weather varies greatly.
While some folks merely view all of this negative publicity and broad warnings of dire weather-related consequences as an inconvenience in their busy schedules, others are seriously involved in doing whatever they can to minimize the effects of the storm as it pertains to their personal safety and the protection of their property.
Just as there are physical storms that affect all of us at one time or another in this world such as hurricanes and other difficult weather conditions that can have devastating effect upon life and material possessions, so also there are storms in life that will impact us individually or as families, sometimes with great intensity and all consuming refiner's fire.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve says that like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.
The gift of faith is a priceless spiritual endowment. Our faith is centered in God, our Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. The Lord confirms that the divine source of our strength and our bright future beyond this life and the grave is grounded in the knowledge of our true relationship with Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son:
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
Elder Anderson continues, "These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. A real but manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another.
"How do you remain 'steadfast and immovable' during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others."
There are times when God removes the storm from our path, but more often He strengthens us to be able to endure the trials associated with those personal tempests. If Heavenly Father could not spare His Son from the afflictions of mortality that allowed Him to gain the ultimate victory over sin and death, then why should we believe that we can be spared those things we need to endure that allow us to grow and become more like the Savior?
Master, the Tempest is Raging
Text: Mary Ann Baker (1874)
Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'er-shadowed with blackness. No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish? How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat'ning a grave in the angry deep?
Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled. Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master. Oh, hasten and take control!
The winds and the waves shall obey they will: Peace, be still, peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea or demons or men of whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, peace, be still.
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