Here in Montana, we share a deep connection with the bison. There’s something about these magnificent animals that speaks to the rugged resilience we admire—and perhaps hope to possess ourselves.
You’ve probably heard the saying when a blizzard approaches, bison turn and face the storm, instinctively knowing moving through it will get them to the other side faster.
While this makes for a powerful picture of courage, there’s more to the story. Bison are remarkably adapted to harsh winter conditions. Their thick coats and powerful metabolisms help them withstand freezing temperatures and deep snow.
And there is some evidence bison do face storms head-on, helping them avoid becoming trapped in deep snowdrifts—something that can be deadly for cattle during severe blizzards.
In other words, they don’t run from the storm.
This reminds me of a story in Matthew 8.
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm suddenly arose. The waves battered the boat while the disciples panicked. Yet Jesus was asleep.
Finally, they woke Him, crying out for help.
Doesn’t this sound a lot like us?
When the storms of life suddenly surround us, fear can take over. We wonder how we’re going to make it through. But perhaps our wisest response is the same as the disciples': “Lord, save us!” (Matthew 8:25)
Jesus rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and suddenly there was a great calm.
Like the bison, Jesus didn’t run from the storm. He faced it with complete authority and peace. And perhaps this is the lesson for us: We don’t have to be afraid of the storm when we know Who is with us in it.
Today’s song by Christian band Unspoken asks a poignant question: “How can I trust, if I run from the trials?” The song goes on to remind us sometimes the very winds pushing against us are actually pushing us right into the arms of Jesus.
What if, instead of always asking God to remove the storm, we learned to run toward Him in the middle of it?
Because when we step into His presence, we discover something the storm cannot take away—peace, shelter, and the assurance we are never facing the blizzard alone.
