watershed: a community church in Stoughton, Wisconsin

Picture yourself standing in the flood plain of a rising river. The waters slowly creep higher and higher. The current grows faster and faster. you still have your footing, but you fear that, at any moment, your feet could slip and you will be washed downstream.

Your mailbox receives a steady stream of bills, but your bank account doesn't match your expenses...the river rises. Your schedule is out of control and your relationships are strained...the current gains speed. Pressures at work are mounting, and every morning you wake up with a knot in your stomach...the ground beneath your feet begins to give way as the waters press against you. You try to hold on, but you are not sure how long you can stay your ground.

Sound too familiar? Well, you're not alone. This was also the life story for many Christians in the first century. There were pressures, conflicts, and tensions everywhere. Peter wronte to these followers of Christ, and his words brought hope in the middle of a rising river of troubles.

During the next 7 weeks, we'll explore the book of 1 Peter in the Bible.

The storms of this life do not have to sweep you away, destroy your family, erode your business, or drown your hopes. God offers overcoming power to stand strong in the storms of life. My prayer is for you to grasp the hand of God in the midst of the storm and find His power to stand strong.