May 21st, 2026
by Mark McAdow
by Mark McAdow
By Pastor Mark McAdow
There was a thunderstorm in OKC last night: Thunder 122, Spurs 113. We experienced a traditional one this morning in Enid, too. What a blessing to receive some much-needed rain without the severe weather. Thank you, Lord. Storms are a part of all our lives. Storms disrupt our normal schedules, often creating anxiety but also blessings at times as well.
Rain is a welcome answer to prayer for many. It clears the pollen, refreshes the air, fills dry ponds, and nourishes the earth. Life requires water. In the beginning, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” in creation - Genesis 1:2. Not one of us can live very long without it. But, if we get too much too soon, it has a negative impact causing flooding that can lead to property loss and life as well. The tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas last summer is a painful reminder of the loss of both.
How did Jesus deal with storms? Do you remember? One day Jesus was on the lake with his disciples and a terrible storm arose, while Jesus was sleeping on a cushion in the stern of the boat. (Apparently Jesus took naps and could do it anywhere!) The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Did you see that? They accused Jesus of not caring! Martha did that one time as well.) Jesus’ response? “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” – Mark 4:38-39. He questioned their lack of faith and they replied to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" - Mark 4:41.
Do you remember when Jesus walked on the water to reach the disciples in another terrible storm? He invited Peter to join him on the water and he did. Amazing! But once again the issue of faith came into play. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those in the boat worshiped saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.”- Matthew 14:30-33.
In both accounts, Jesus calmed the storm. He will do the same for you and me. He will take us safely through or he will calm the storm completely. His presence makes all the difference. Did you notice the two different responses from his disciples? The first time they asked the question, “Who is this?” and the second time they knew. “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Looking forward to being with you this Sunday in worship as it’s Pentecost Sunday. A totally different view of the wind. I’m so thankful the winds have died down this week in Oklahoma but praying for a fresh windstorm this Sunday!
Love you,
Pastor Mark
There was a thunderstorm in OKC last night: Thunder 122, Spurs 113. We experienced a traditional one this morning in Enid, too. What a blessing to receive some much-needed rain without the severe weather. Thank you, Lord. Storms are a part of all our lives. Storms disrupt our normal schedules, often creating anxiety but also blessings at times as well.
Rain is a welcome answer to prayer for many. It clears the pollen, refreshes the air, fills dry ponds, and nourishes the earth. Life requires water. In the beginning, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” in creation - Genesis 1:2. Not one of us can live very long without it. But, if we get too much too soon, it has a negative impact causing flooding that can lead to property loss and life as well. The tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas last summer is a painful reminder of the loss of both.
How did Jesus deal with storms? Do you remember? One day Jesus was on the lake with his disciples and a terrible storm arose, while Jesus was sleeping on a cushion in the stern of the boat. (Apparently Jesus took naps and could do it anywhere!) The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Did you see that? They accused Jesus of not caring! Martha did that one time as well.) Jesus’ response? “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” – Mark 4:38-39. He questioned their lack of faith and they replied to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" - Mark 4:41.
Do you remember when Jesus walked on the water to reach the disciples in another terrible storm? He invited Peter to join him on the water and he did. Amazing! But once again the issue of faith came into play. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those in the boat worshiped saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.”- Matthew 14:30-33.
In both accounts, Jesus calmed the storm. He will do the same for you and me. He will take us safely through or he will calm the storm completely. His presence makes all the difference. Did you notice the two different responses from his disciples? The first time they asked the question, “Who is this?” and the second time they knew. “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Looking forward to being with you this Sunday in worship as it’s Pentecost Sunday. A totally different view of the wind. I’m so thankful the winds have died down this week in Oklahoma but praying for a fresh windstorm this Sunday!
Love you,
Pastor Mark
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