"A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three of four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."' John 6: 18-20
It's the middle of the night, but you're wide awake. The thunder is too loud. You walk over to the window. Lightning flashes and through the rain you see a shadowy figure. Another flash and sure enough, there's a man outside – this time just feet from the window. This sounds like a scene from a Hollywood horror film, but the disciples experienced this first-hand.
On a small boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, they were battling an incredible storm. No lights, no land nearby, when suddenly a man appeared a few yards from the boat. They were terrified! They thought He was a ghost. Then they recognized Jesus. As He boarded the boat, He spoke to the storm, and it stopped. They were stunned. This was no ordinary man.
We all face storms in life – from actual thunderstorms and natural disasters, to countless personal trials and crises. It could be an extended illness in your life. Maybe the loss of a job and possibly the house. It could be a family falling apart. So many storms. How do we face them?
We're Not Alone. Even when we find ourselves battling the storms of life, don't forget that Jesus is right there with us. You may not always feel the presence of God, but trust that He is going to walk with us through every storm.
Jesus is All Powerful. We are too quick to forget God when crises strike. We forget the miracles God has done in our past. Yet, Jesus always knows exactly what we're experiencing. He's bigger than even life's biggest storms.
All Storms End. Even when visibility is lost and we can't see what's next, we can trust that Jesus knows where we're headed. You see, Jesus promises not only to walk with us through life's storms, but to get us where we need to go.
Life is hard. Difficulties are unavoidable. But as we walk with God, He promises to get us through even the darkest storms. What storms are you facing right now? Are you trying, like the disciples, to battle in your own strength? Maybe you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Say to the Lord, "I'm done. Take control." Allow Jesus to climb into the boat of your life and watch His presence begins to calm both the storm and your soul.
