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b'Everyone has ups and downs in life. My ups have been traveling to Thailand to serve as a short-term missionary and starting a new business. Most recently, my downs have included losing my mother, having a tumor, and seeing my father\\u2019s business close.\\nWhen things are on the upswing, we often think it\\u2019s all about us\\u2014that the Lord has nothing to do with it. When things are going badly, we cry out to Him and say, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Why?!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nI have news for you. God is always there\\u2014in control of every circumstance. He is \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153the Alpha and the Omega\\u2026the Beginning and the End\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Revelation 22:13).\\nJust like in math, in life you have constants and variables. Whether the disciples knew it or not, they had with them a constant who never changes: Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:8). When there was a storm out on the Sea of Galilee and they became afraid, they went to Jesus.\\nHe spoke three words: \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Quiet! Be still!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Mark 4:39). The storm became calm, and the disciples were astonished, asking, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Mark 4:41).\\nSo, in the middle of the storm, turn to Jesus, the Source of true peace and the One who is in control over all creation. He is God, He is present, and He is in control.\\nA prayer: \\u201cLord, remind me you are a constant in my life. When the storms of life start to overwhelm me, cause me to rest in Your peace. May I praise You in every situation, whether the times are calm or I\\u2019m in the middle of a storm. Thank You for working all things according to Your good kingdom purposes (Romans 8:28). In Jesus\\u2019 Name, Amen.\\u201d \\u2022 Robert Keur\\n\\u2022 What are the storms you\\u2019re facing right now?\\n\\u2022 Read John 16:33, Hebrews 4:14-16, and 1 Peter 5:7. Why can we cry out to Jesus when we\\u2019re facing storms? \\n\\u2022 Read Romans 8:28-39 and Revelation 21:1-5. Will storms last forever? In the midst of storms, what hope do we have in Christ?\\nI [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMark 4:35-41'