When the storms of life try to drown you

“Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” Jesus’s words as recorded in Matthew and Mark’s gospels. The order was simple and plain enough for the disciples to act on it. They set out for the other side and Jesus falls asleep. But as they journeyed a mighty storm over took them, “...and they were in great danger” (Matthew 8:23b)

The threat was real. The danger was at hand. But Jesus had said, “let us cross over.” How can it be that Jesus had planted the vision of where they were going and yet the storm would seem to stop his plan.

Life is like that for us as well. God plants the vision, calls us to ministry, opens doors for us to go through only to find difficulty and opposition waiting for us. We have experienced it. I know I am being called to speak this message of God’s original design for marriage, but the more faithful I am to the calling the more family emergencies come up. The more appliances break down needing replaced that bust the intended budget. It’s as if God is sleeping while we are “perishing.”

But what does Jesus say to the disciples after calming the storm? “Where is your faith?” (Matthew 8:25) Was the best response to wake Jesus from his much needed rest? Or would it have been better for the disciples to go and lay with him on the pillow? If Jesus has directed us to, “cross over the lake” no matter the storm or the set back we will get to the other side! We may just want to practice laying down beside the Master as the boat rocks and the waves roll.

The plan God has for your life and your calling will come to pass. He has already set it in motion. The storm is probably the direct result of you following his command. But he is in the boat with you, there is no reason to fear. Just go and lie down on the pillow with Jesus, then he has already calmed the storm.

Happy Honeymooning!

Matthew 8:23-25 One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out.

As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” He asked.