Blog

Jan 02, 2023 06:00am

Storms of Life

8255 Views

Chances are, you are either in a storm now or about to go through one. Sometimes we see them coming; other times they spring up. Sometimes they are unrelenting; other times they are quickly broken. No one enjoys them; everyone deals with them. Storm systems vary. At times they come in the form of health complications. Other times the pressures of life lead to marital storms, financial storms or a storm within the family.
Right now, there are forecasters somewhere predicting the next brewing storm. Storms are an inevitable part of life.
Personally, I love a good storm (as long as we’re talking about the ones in nature). Wind, rain, thunder, and lightning provide a peaceful night sleep for me. Who doesn’t love a calming afternoon storm? Nothing is better than curling up on the couch with a book, blanket, and hot cup of coffee during one. But storms of life…those are a different story. They leave my brain foggy, and all I want to do is wish them away.
It is easy to become self-focused in the center of a storm. Heavy storms can be so consuming that it’s all you think about. However, in the same way a cleansing rainstorm is good for the land, a life storm can bring about good. They teach us a lot about ourselves, others, and God. Consider the story in the gospel of Matthew when there was a storm on the sea.

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Matthew 14:22-33

There are so many truths to grasp from this story. First we learn that Jesus brings us to the storm. He was the one who sent His disciples into the ship and bid them to go across the sea. He knew what was coming. Rest assured; God knows. Not only does He know, but He brought you to whatever storm you are now facing.
Next we see Jesus prays for us in the midst of the storm. Did you catch that? Christ sent his disciples into the storm and then went up on the mountain to pray. Who do you think He was praying for? A most comforting understanding, especially in the midst of storms, is knowing that Christ sits on the right hand of God and makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). In Hebrews 7:25, we see that, “he ever liveth to make intercession.”
Then we learn that Jesus comes to us while we are in the storm. Oh, what a glorious thought! Jesus didn’t leave his disciples alone to endure the storm. He came to them – walking on the water – proving His omnipotence. When the tempest is tossed and all hope seems lost, our Lord comes to us. In those darkest moments He shines His light of peace and whispers to our heart, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
Finally, Jesus teaches us during the storm. This is perhaps the hardest truth to grasp. There are times I don’t want to be taught. I just want to get through the storm as quickly as possible, but it is imperative we learn whatever lesson our Teacher wants us to learn. Peter learned a lot that day out on the sea. He learned that alongside Christ anything (even walking on water) is possible. He learned that the moment he took his eyes off Him, and focused on his circumstances, he began to sink. He learned that the Lord was there to lift him up the moment he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
Are you in a storm of life? Is there a lesson the Master of the Wind is wanting you to learn? He brings you to the storm. He prays for you in the midst of the storm. He comes to you while you are in the storm. He teaches you through the storm, and He’s in it with you. Trust in Him.