In the book of Mark 4:35-41 we witness the incident where Jesus and his disciples were in a boat when a huge storm came and threatened to overturn the boat. We read that Jesus was soundly asleep in the boat on a cushion right in the middle of the storm.
We could only wonder how a man could sleep soundly in the middle of a storm.
The disciples and Jesus were probably tired after travelling and preaching and they wanted nothing more but rest. However they encountered a terrible storm. Like them, we may expect life to be smooth-sailing, trouble free but we do not always get that. The incident in the boat does not only tell us how powerful Jesus is but is also giving us a message that reminds us that life need not be a fairytale even though we are Christians.
There are all kinds of storm in life: emotional storm, financial storm, relationship storm, tragedies. Some storm come because of our own actions. Some storm comes because of people’s actions. Some storm comes because it is natural. But there are also storms which come from God, the One that we out our blame on for ALL other storms.
But we know that in all things God work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Before the storm, the disciples knew who Jesus was. The disciples knew that He was someone special, they witnessed Jesus healing the lame. What miracle!
Before the storm, they knew who Jesus was.
During the storm, all they could see was waves hitting on their boat and dark clouds and roaring thunder and flashing lightning! During the storm, they were terrified to the point that they forgot who Jesus was. They did not know that He had the power to stop the storm.
During the storm they forgot who Jesus was.
So often we forget that God is still the One in control of things when we are face head-on with a huge storm. We see the big storm but we do not see our Big God. We need to realize that everything happens for a reason. If the storm comes to shape you, let the storm do its work and you persevere. If the storm comes to change a situation, don’t resist it, face it. If the storm comes to give you a lesson, don’t run, sit down and learn. If the storm is for God, pray that God sends more!
A young boy sailing his small boat in a huge pond cries out after realizing that the boat was beyond his control. He sees an older youth beginning to throw huge stones at his direction and the small boy cries out even louder. After a while he realizes that the stone was not hitting him but the boat was beginning to slowly sail towards the older youth. The rocks hit the water a little beyond the boat, and each ripple moved it closer to shore.
Be patient to go through situations which you have no control over. Pray and put your trust in God and believe for His deliverance. Sometimes the storm that breaks our heart can become the basis of more beautiful things in our lives.
A man once approached Billy Graham (if I am not mistaken, I do not remember which book I read it from) and told Billy that he is so thankful to God. His life is so nice and lovely. There are no more problems and troubles and worries. Everything is fine.
Billy replied, “Then you should start worrying.”
When a Christian suddenly sees his life problem free he should not be rejoicing. He should start worrying. This is because Satan is no more interested in bothering you anymore. Why? Because you are no longer a threat to him. You are not doing anything in God’s Kingdom. Knowing this, you should start worrying.
Also note that there are some storms in life that are not worth going through. Not all storms are beneficial and not all storms are meant to be face. Not all storms in life happen because there is something greater after it. Take heed. Not all waves are worth riding.
Know that Jesus is still beside you when the storm comes. The disciples forgot but you should not.
When the storm comes, sleep in it.
When the waves hit, surf it.
Here is another link to one of my previous post on “Storm Shapes The Mighty Oak”
Do read it as it is a good one and it speaks to me during my stormy days.
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