And then there was that time when we were fishing and a storm kicked up and we thought we were all going to be thrown into the sea. Jesus, as we had come to expect, was sleeping in the front of the boat. He never cared much for the actual work of fishing, although it seemed he always knew where to throw the nets to catch the most fish, so he was useful to have around. Anyway, there he was sleeping right in the middle of this raging storm and we didn’t know what to do.
I’m not sure he was entirely happy to be woken up by our screams for help, but he stood up and looked around, as if the whole thing was just a gnat on his arm. He looked at us and smiled a smile that seemed to say, “When will you believe in me? When will you have a little faith?” Then he just held up a hand and, as if speaking to one of us, whispered, “Stop. Just stop.” And then a calm came over the sea and over us. It was a calm I had never felt before and I thought, “what kind of man is this, that even winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:23-27)
Storms come and go in our lives. They happen to us and to those around us. These storms test us and shake us and sometimes break our hearts and weather our faith. People die and leave huge holes in our lives where they used to be. Our faith in God does not take away the storms, for they rain down on us all, believers and unbelievers alike.
The difference is the presence in the boat. For we who believe, Christ is there in the bow of the boat of our lives, wrapped in a blanket and waiting for us to wake him and ask for help. And he will arise at just the moment we need him most, stretching out his hands and whispering, “stop,” and calming the sea at least enough so that we can make it back to shore, a way through the storm to safe harbor. And that’s enough, has to be enough, because it is all we need.
Ask yourself in silence: When was my last storm? Am I in the midst of one right now? And where is Jesus?
Steve – He definitely was in the boat with Jan and me this past week. He showed his love for us in a big way. Our last storm was a week ago last Thursday and it’s calming now. He gave us a gentle reminder to put our trust in him. Praise God!
We too have been pummeled these past several months with one “storm” after another. It seems easy to start out in our faithful trust, then as another challenge hits, we begin our frenzied dance of trying to control everything around us in a weak effort to cope. Then out of nowhere it seems, we hear “Stop!” When we listen, the calm begins to seep into our lives once again. He is with us! All the while just waiting. How good God is!
How I love the way your writing brings the Scripture passage to life, Steve!
Kathleen
This writing is a “God incidence”. We have been facing a storm in our lives this past month with the loss of employment. I have envisioned our family in a boat on choppy water and stormy skies. I frequently pray for Christ to take command of the boat and calm the seas and sky. Thank you so much for furthering my belief to keep the faith. Christ will not forsake us.
Mary
Steve, please include Norm in your prayers. He had a triple coronary bypass on Thursday. No, we did not see it coming. Went to the ER in Monday with a different condition that seemed urgent, and several hours and tests later they found several blockages, including one at 95 percent. Grateful that they found it….and that Norm is recovering well from the surgery. But it is a long recuperation ahead.
So grateful for your wise and beautifully written words. I added you on Twitter so we could stay connected. I was surprised to see in your profile “facing chemo with faith” as on my blog I have “tackling childhood cancer with a healthy dose of faith and chemo.” Great minds think alike. : )
Jenni
Hi Steve:
I just wanted to touch base with you regarding my recent trip to Sedona, Arizona.
Back in November you sent me suggestions for places to see. I printed the e-mail and have saved it. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful recommendations. The highlight was the Taize Prayer Service Monday night. What a God Wink when we were informed that Brother Emmanual from Taize, France was the guest for the evening prayer service. It was such a powerful hour chanting the beautiful prayers. We also went to Jerome and just loved it there. We also took the Verde Canyon Railroad train ride in Clarkdale. It was fun to just sit back and enjoy each other and
the beautiful scenery. We would love to go back to Jerome and spend more time there. Sedona was absolutely breathtaking. We also traveled to the Grand Canyon which is a must see! All in all, a delightful week with high school girlfriends!
Blessings to you and yours. Debbie Williamson