When the Storms Come

“Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’” Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus knew a storm was coming. Yet he watched passively as His ambling disciples push away from the shoreline and began rowing into deeper water. Finally, the sails caught the wind and the oars were pulled inside the boat.

From a Galilean hillside, Christ continued to study their obedient journey. Perhaps Peter was manning the rudder; John and Bartholomew, in deep conversation, rested against the bow; and Matthew, serious in thought, appeared caught up in Thomas’ animated words.

By the evening’s fourth watch, the scene was dramatically different. The sea had turned into a fierce enemy, and fear filled the hearts of the disciples. Swamped by elevating waves, the tiny boat listed in its struggle to stay afloat. There was no mistake - Jesus had deliberately sent the disciples into the path of the storm.

Some of life’s stormiest moment are found at the heart of obedience. While the storms of life are not easy, they are necessary. Jesus used this one as a catalyst to refine the disciples’ faith. He did not leave them alone. The moment all hope in human help had faded, Jesus came to them. Whatever you’re facing today, Christ is in it with you. And just as He came to rescue His disciples, He will come to help you.

“...Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27