In all our lives storms come. We are cruising along on smooth waters. Everything is calm. The serene sound of the waves lapping against the boat is relaxing.
And then a storm comes. We are surrounded by struggle. It may be a phone call, “We are sorry to tell you.” It could be a concerned look on the face of a doctor, “We found something in your tests.” It may be a meeting requested from your boss or a “let’s talk” from your spouse.
Whatever the cause of the storm, we make three introductory observations about them.
First, storms come as a surprise. The disciples are suddenly surrounded by a storm. The lake was known for intense storms. The Ghor depression was seven hundred feet below sea level. Because it was like a bowl, fishermen often did not see a storm until it was upon them.
Likewise, we do not see them coming. Look back at the storms you have endured. Now look back one or two months before that storm. Did you see it coming? Most likely you did not.
Second, storms come powerfully. The storms hitting the disciples were quite common. A small lake four and a half miles wide became a huge, powerful, churning threat. A windstorm came in force. Their storm lasted through the long hours of the night.
Our storms are significant. They threaten to disrupt our lives. Sickness, layoffs, emotional struggles and so many other storms arise. We know that we will likely measure our lives on a timeline before the storm, in the storm, and after the storm.
Third, storms are inherently destructive. The darkness of the night was worsened by the heavy storm. Thunder rumbled and lightning peeled. The boat bounced around like a twig in a whirlpool. It was a nightmare. They knew that storms would come but this one was particularly dangerous. At any moment, a wave could capsize
e the boat, and they would drown.
Understanding the nature of the storms the disciples faced that night read Matthew’s account in Matthew 14. I will also be making observations from Mark’s account.
Lessons for surviving (and thriving) in the storms.
Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
- Powerful storms threaten the disciples.
The disciples were sent out on the lake between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. The fourth watch of the night occurred between 3:00 am and 6:00 am. That means that they rowed in this storm for six to twelve hours.
The storm was a surprise to the disciples, but it was not a surprise to Jesus. He also knows about every storm we are facing. Jesus deliberately sent them on the lake knowing a storm was coming.
We may ask why Jesus allowed the storm. They were, after all, following Him. We may also ask why we face storms. Some lessons are only learned through experience. The storms are instructional. Through the trials we are drawn closer to Jesus.
- Jesus is praying AND watching. (Mark 6:48a)
48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.
Jesus sent the disciples across the lake because he needed time to pray. But as He was praying the storm was raging. While they were struggling, He was praying for them.
He saw the storm around them. He also saw the storm within them. He knew they would be filled with doubts. This was one of the “throw in the towel” moments.
This is true of us today. Jesus is seated beside the Father in Heaven. He ever lives to intercede for us. He sees us and the storms that rage around us. Because of the threat He prays for us.
How do we endure the storm? We row. Row until the storm passes or until He rescues us. We cannot throw in the towel. Keep rowing.
- Jesus came walking on the water.
Shortly before dawn the disciples saw a figure walking toward them. He demonstrated divine authority but walking across the lake. He walked somewhere close to the entire distance across the lake. Was it three and a half miles? They had not expected him, so they were afraid.
We may ask about their storm, as we do about ours, why wait? We ask that question all the time. Why does He not come to us sooner? Why does it take so long?
Jesus ALWAYS listened for God’s timing. He went when it was right.
- Jesus does not force Himself into our storm (Mark 6:48b)
“Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,”
Jesus was going to walk on past the disciples. Really!?! He would not force them to allow Him into the crisis.
Jesus is the same today. We often attempt to go through our storms in our own wisdom and strength. He is willing and ready to enter the storm with us, but He will wait until we allow Him into our storm. He will not force us to rely on His help.
- The message is simple.
Take Courage, it is I be not afraid. (Mark 6:50)
They did not expect him and were frightened in their spirits. He greeted them with a simple statement, “It is I.” This from is like the words of Scripture, “I Am the Great I Am.”
The command is also simple. “Take courage” and “Be not afraid.” These commands are common in Scripture. The most common command in Scripture is some variation of “Fear not.” God wants you to know that you do not need to live in fear, even when a storm arises. He repeats this thought to you over and over, “Fear not!”
- Peter makes a bold request which Jesus granted.
We stand amazed at Peter’s boldness. He is clearly tired of boat life. He saw Jesus walking on the water and wanted to walk as well. He dared to believe it.
Peter did not have a “fixin’ to” faith. He had a “Let’s go” faith. Jesus welcomed his faith and invited him to step out. Peter went from wanting to walk to walking.
Say it with Peter, “Lord, if it is you…” It is Jesus. The storm was still waging when Peter stepped out. It will still be going on when you express, your faith and step out to follow Jesus.
- During the storm keep your eye on Jesus.
Peter’s initial success in walking on the waves soon became an abject failure. Getting out of the boat does not guarantee we will not struggle.
Peter began to sink when He took His eyes off Jesus. You will too. Keep your eyes on Jesus. (See also Hebrews 12:1-2)
- The Savior listens to the cry “Lord Save Me.”
In the desperate moment Peter cried a simple prayer. We pray the same desperate prayer, “Lord save me” and He does. With a word the storm stopped.
- Storm walking and storm stopping calls for a confession of faith in Jesus.
They confessed, “You are God’s son.” When we walk through the storm we can confess Jesus as well. Confess Him tonight because of the many times He has delivered you.
Three Things to Remember in a Storm:
- He is aware that the storm is there.
Storms come. Some of them are correcting storms, others are perfecting. He will work through them all. He is not surprised by our storms. Acknowledge your own inadequacy and the Lord’s omnipotence.
- Beginning well does not mean that you are successful.
Peter began well. He walked on the water. But he did not finish the walk. Our faith must be persistent and consistent. We must finish our mission with our eyes on Jesus. We walk some…we sink some… But keep walking.
- Others can gain from your pain.
Twelve disciples got in the boat but only one walked out. They could learn from his walk. We can too.
