Before and After the Storm

“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side. . .” (Matthew 14:22)

After a day of healing and feeding the multitude, Jesus insisted His disciples enter a ship, cross the sea, and wait for Him while He sent the people home. Their obedience landed them into the middle of storm-tossed waters, too far out to turn back and could not move forward.

Jesus’ eyes, piercing through the darkness (about three in the morning), saw the struggling men four miles away, only halfway to their destination. Gravity had no power over Him as He walked on water to meet them. When He stepped into their boat, the storm ceased, and the disciples worshiped Him, declaring He was indeed the Son of God. Immediately they were on the other side of the sea.

Though the disciples had recently witnessed Jesus healing masses of people and helped in feeding thousands with only five small fish and two loaves of bread, they didn’t call out to Him in their time of need. In that short while, they had lost sight of His greatness. Why would Jesus send his disciples into a storm? For teaching purposes, as a reminder of who He is.

Are you caught up in an unexpected life-storm, one in which you were unprepared? Did the storm begin shortly after an act of obedience, surrender, or recommitment to the Lord? As the waves crash over you and you cannot seem to move forward, remember, the same miracle-working, compassionate Savior is with you. Remember the greatness of God: the miracles you have experienced; the storms He has rescued you from or carried you safely through. He wants you to know your Savior is the Son of the Almighty Living God.

You are never too far away that God does not see or hear you; there is no need too small or great—He cares. Your mighty Deliverer sees you in your darkest hour; He is always nearby. When you allow Jesus to step into your circumstance, peace overtakes the storm.