Storms

Troubled Waters

 

 

Somewhere in time, this week, I heard Natalie Grant talk about her song “Hurricane.” When she did, she referenced a Bible story.

Matthew 14:22-27 “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “it is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus Spoke to them, saying “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Whenever I have heard someone talk about this story, the focus is always on what happens next.  Peter gets out of the boat and tries to walk on water also, but the wind and waves frighten him and he starts to sink.  That seems to be the big part of the story.

What Natalie said was more of a focus on the storm.  The disciples were in the boat in the middle of the sea and the winds and waves were contrary.  They were in the middle of a storm. 

Jesus didn’t stand on the shore and watch the storm and hope his disciples made it through it okay.

Jesus didn’t cause the winds and waves to die down so he could walk out on calm water.

Jesus walked out in the midst of the storm and met the disciple’s where they were. 

Many times, I feel Jesus needs to calm the storm before He’ll show up, but that’s not true.  Storms happen; they are as much a part of life as sunshine.  Jesus comes to us regardless.

If your life is feeling a little stormy right now, just look up. Jesus is in the storm with you.