“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” — Mark 4:41

Lightning streaked across the night sky; five-year-old Julia streaked into her parents’ room, launched herself onto their bed, and wrapped both arms tightly around her daddy’s neck.

“Julia.” Daddy sat up, holding her. “It’s just the rain.”

Julia whimpered in reply.

“Hey now.” Daddy stood, carried her over to the window, and opened it.

Julia looked out curiously.

“You feel safe while I’m holding you, don’t you?” Daddy asked. “I want you to remember, wherever you are, that God is holding you closer than I ever could.”

Tentatively, she reached out into the wet cold and listened to the rain.

— Megan Payne