[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"reading-0331":3},"MARCH 31\r\nThe wind was contrary (Matt. 14.24).\r\nRude and blustering the winds of March often are. Do they not\r\ntypify the tempestuous seasons of my fife? But, indeed, I ought to\r\nbe glad that I make acquaintance with these seasons. Better it is\r\nthat the rains descend and the floods come than that I should stay perpetually in the Lotus Land where it seems always afternoon, or\r\nin that deep meadowed valley of Avilion where never wind blows\r\nloudly. Storms of temptation appear cruel, but do they not give\r\nintenser earnestness to prayer? Do they not compel me to seize the promises with a tighter hand grip? Do they not Wave me with a\r\ncharacter refined?\r\n\r\nStorms of bereavement are keen; but then, they are one of the\r\nFather's ways of driving me to Himself, that in the secret of His\r\npresence His voice may speak to my heart soft and low. There is a\r\nglory of the Master which can be seen only when the wind is contrary and the ship tossed with waves.\r\n\"Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect\r\nsecurity in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing\"\r\nOh, set your sail to the heavenly gale,\r\nAnd then, no matter what winds prevail,\r\nNo reef can wreck you, no calm delay;\r\nNo mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay;\r\nThough far you wander and long you roam\r\nThrough salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam, No wind that can blow but shall speed you Home. --Annie Johnson Flint.",1783499792051]