In the storm with Jesus (1)

Growing in faith and getting to know Jesus intimately requires going through storms with Him. The disciples discovered this when Jesus said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Next, we read: “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling” (v. 37 NKJV). Their story has a happy ending. Jesus calmed the storm, and they said in amazement, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (v. 41 NKJV). There are life-changing truths Jesus taught and aspects of His character that you will never understand until you have been through a storm with Him. Sometimes when storms come, we assume they are the result of something we have done wrong or that we’re not in the will of God. The disciples were in the storm due to obedience, not disobedience. They hadn’t done anything wrong; they had done something right. Understand this: even if you love Jesus with all your heart, you will still face storms. As the disciples discovered, the storm can come when you’re closest to Jesus. He doesn’t promise that the storm won’t strike your boat but that the storm won’t sink it. He doesn’t promise smooth sailing, but He guarantees a safe landing. You will face life’s troubles with either fear or faith. How are they different? Fear concentrates on the storm; faith concentrates on the Saviour. It may sound surprising, but we need storms. Jesus permits us to sail into them so that we will (1) consider His promises, (2) stay calm in His presence, and (3) have confidence in His power.