Jesus Calms Storms, Always
Jesus calms storms. Most of the time I read past this section without thinking about it. I read ‘ Jesus calms storms,’ think, ‘okay, well he is God,’ and read on. But today I stopped for a moment after reading it. Does God sleep? Do I think he isn’t aware of what is going on?
Like the disciples sometimes did, I forget who he is. I look at the storm instead of him. He knows what is going on; he’s just peeking to see how I react, to see if I will trust him. When I remember and believe that Jesus calms storms and rests in my boat, I can rest at ease, watch the storm, watch the waves come over the boat, and wonder at the lightning and thunder with full assurance that he is going to take care of it. I can relax in him. I can rest in him. What’s the worst that can happen? The boat sinks, I drown, and he takes me with him to heaven.
Somedays though, I get a little seasick, and I say ‘Hey Jesus, I know you are in control, can you help me with this seasickness? By the way it’s okay if you want to calm the sea down now. I know you are in control.
Matthew 8:23-27
Matthew 8:23-27 ESV – 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
- What storm am I facing right now? If Jesus calms storms, will he not calm my storm if I ask him or give me the ability to face it and endure it?
- If I trust him, look at him, and wait for him to calm the storm in his time, what will be the benefit to me? What will be the benefit to others? How is this better than panic and demanding it stop now?
- How have I been blessed by watching others ride out storms? What did I see in them and learn about how they did or did not trust in Jesus?
- Ultimately, a final storm will take me to my final home. How have I learned to trust him in little storms to prepare for the final storm?
Passage for Meditation
The men were amazed and asked, “ What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:27
Prayer
Father, help me to remember, you are always in my boat. You are always available when I get seasick from the struggle of life. Use my circumstances to teach me and prepare me for what you have planned next. Give me the strength and endurance to ride the storms and waves until you decide it is time for the sea to be calm.
Originally Published on: Oct 29, 2013
