The peace and calm to know a storm went around you, is like having comfort of seeing the world around you still intact. To ride through the storm and be able to open the door is another form of comfort as well as dismay. Noah did not take one step out of that ark until vegetation began to grow and the ground was dry. He tested weekly by sending a raven first and then a dove. The first time the dove was sent out he found no place to rest. Noah took the dove and cuddled him against his chest and brought him into the ark of safety. Those loving arms embracing a little dove giving her comfort of her bewilderment of what had happened upon the earth. Second time the dove went out she found an olive branch and brought it to Noah. Noah kept her safe and warm one more week before she went back out and never returned. Noah would be leaving the ark that day knowing there was life outside the ark.

In John 20 the disciples hide in the ark of the upper room, afraid of the Jews and afraid of what was happening outside their door. They understood not fully themselves and fear had over taken them for Jesus was risen. Jesus appeared to them and proved his humanity by showing his scars in his hands and side. Then he breathe on them and said receive ye the Holy Ghost. The only Gospel to record the event. Yet it speaks of the comforter of God coming to those that were in the upper room, for some of disciples were not present. Yet Jesus had breath on them the Holy Spirit. Spirit of God giving forth new life of eternity promised and the comforter of hope. Outside those doors was a bunch of mad Jews, but inside was hope and life.

Great is God's faithfulness after the storm, providing proof of a tomorrow. Jesus coming into the room with the door shut, brough peace with him, and Noah's dove found peace outside the ark in the form of olive branch and returned with it to the comfort of Noah arms. God is going to reveal when the storm is gone and the doors that hide us will be opened. The dove went searching for peace and found no peace. I do not doubt the days after the resurrection the disciples did feel bewildered, afraid and maybe a little scared, for they to ran when the soldier came to arrest Jesus before the crucifixion, and yet stood by while they crucified their Lord. The fear as they faced alone those events those days after the resurrection and the lies of the soldiers who claimed that his disciples stole his body was enough to cause anyone to hide, though many of disciples had already seen him alive. Yet Jesus stood in the mist of them to bring peace and comfort that the Holy Spirit could only bring to their soul.

Great is God's faithfulness after the storm, to show hope for tomorrow, to bring peace within the place of safety and send us forth from the ark, with the comfort of his Spirit and knowledge of hope. Everything around might be destroyed, but we are still physically intact, that what some will say after a tornado, or hurricane force winds destroyed there home and yet God provided safety. God's faithfulness of a place of safety, a place of comfort and a place to allow our fears to run freely in our mist, only reminds us that God wants to come and give us peace with olive branch, with his Spirit, with the openning of the door to come.

Dear Heavenly Father great is your faithfulness before, during and after a storm, your provision of peace and hope to those that believe within and with the open door. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: John 20:19-23 KJV
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Matthew 28:12-15 KJV
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.