Mercy in the Storms

Lessons from the Storm(s) of Life

Similar Post: Against the Wind

https://wordsofencouragementinchrist.com/2023/08/16/flying-against-the-wind/

What if God sends us into storm(s) so that we experience His presence? For the believer to grow/mature and learn to lean on Him instead of our own understanding?

What if God sends difficulties to teach us more about Him that we wouldn’t learn any other way? In verses 24-25, the disciples are fighting against contrary winds and waves. Jesus has sent them into a trial. They’re fighting hard and struggling in the early hours of the morning. It’s dark and stormy. Jesus is still on the mountain praying. Ever feel abandoned? I wonder what was going through the disciples’ mind as they are straining against the wind and waves for hours in the dark night.

Our tendency as sinful humans is to attempt life on our own. We desire to be “self-made” and self-reliant. We will invest all kinds of time, energy into improving ourselves or making ourselves “feel” more comfortable. We want to do life on our terms. We want things to go our way in our own time. Like the Burger King slogan we desire to “have it your way.” This is human rebellion against God. This started in Genesis 3 and continues today.

What if God’s Mercy sends the storm?

What if God sends storms to save us from self-reliance and eternal separation from Him? What if the storm is God’s way of getting us to look to Him to save us? As long as we live for and through ourselves, we are missing Christ! Life is only found in Christ.

A comfortable, safe “spiritual” journey leads straight to destruction and eternal separation from God. Those who foolishly live life apart from Christ will perish eternally! Which road are you walking on? Why does God say that the road to Him is narrow?

https://www.gotquestions.org/narrow-path.html

Jesus Appears: Do you recognize Him?

Then in the fourth watch of the night (3am to sunrise), the disciples perceive someone walking on the water. During this time period, storms were thought to be caused by evil spirits or demons. People don’t walk on water so with the chaos of the water they assumed it was a “ghost” or evil spirit coming to them. They naturally cry out in fear.

One of the challenges of walking in faith is recognizing Christ’s presence in the dark, stormy times of our lives. When the fear is highest and the storm waves are crashing down on us, do we recognize God’s presence? Jesus has left the mountain and is walking to them. What if Jesus is walking close to you (Holy Spirit’s Presence), but you can’t perceive His Presence? Obviously, Jesus is physically present in heaven with God (Hebrews 1:3, 12:2) . But He has sent Holy Spirit to us (John 16). We never walk alone! Never do we face any storm where He isn’t present! But do we recognize Him? Are we looking at Him or the waves?

Peter’s Brave but Imperfect Faith

https://youtube.com/shorts/Iif_xKBDozY?feature=share

Peter is one of my favorite Gospel heroes because he shows both the best and worst of human followers. He loves and trusts Jesus, but imperfectly. Like us, his faith falters! Peter wants to be with Jesus and walks on the water toward Him! He walks on the water until he takes his eyes off Christ and focuses on the waves!

https://www.gotquestions.org/Peter-walking-on-water.html

Matthew 14:27-33 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

27But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

28“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”

29“Come,” said Jesus.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

32And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

His motives and intentions are good. He is “stepping out in faith” then becomes overwhelmed with the situation. Like us, his faith needs to grow. Yet, he gets close to Christ before he sinks. He does the right thing when he starts to sink! He cries out to Jesus and notice how Jesus responds:

Jesus immediately reaches out to him and rescues Him. All Peter had to do was cry out! Got questions “Peter Walking on the Water” explains: emphasis mine

https://www.gotquestions.org/Peter-walking-on-water.html

For believers, the lesson here is unmistakable.

If we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our circumstances, we will fall under the weight of our problems.

If we call to Jesus in faith, he will catch us and lift us above our seemingly impossible situation.

Peter let doubt displace his faith. In all the time he had been with Jesus, even Peter, one of Christ’s closest friends, was still learning to trust the Lord completely.

“What can we learn from the account of Peter walking on the water” accessed August 24, 2023

Taking our eyes of Jesus causes us to sink! Learning to trust our Heavenly Father completely is a life long journey. Perhaps God sends/allows difficulty to grow our trust in Him! While this may not “seem” right, ultimately we can trust that God is in control over ever storm that rages against us.

A crucial lesson remains to be explored. When Peter jumps out of the boat, his heart is full of good intentions. Sometimes we take a leap of faith with similarly good intentions, but, like Peter’s, our faith soon falters. Peter’s exercise of faith does not end in failure.

Although he is sinking in fear, he calls out to the Lord, “Save me!” God loves to hear our cry for help.

It means we know we can’t save ourselves. Peter helplessly cries out to the only one who can help him. The disciple’s experience reminds us that a lapse of faith is merely a stumble. The Lord is near to raise us back safely to our feet when we call to Him for help.”

“What can we learn from the account of Peter walking on the water” accessed August 24, 2023

The journey of faith includes moments of doubt, feelings of insecurity, and uncertainty. But He who calls us is Faithful! God delights in redeeming us and reaching out to us with grace and compassion when we cry out to Him!

The Storm Ends: John 6:21

John includes an interesting end to this account in verse twenty-one: John 6:21 BSB

21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The following article explains this concept in detail:

https://www.bibleref.com/John/6/John-6-21.html

Once the disciples welcome Jesus into the boat, the storm and journey are immediately over. The storm and difficulty lasts until God ends it! Jesus delivered them to their destination. While we will struggle in life, we have the assurance that Jesus will see us to our destination (eternity with Him)! Have you welcomed Christ into your life? Have you trusted in His grace and mercy to save you? Or are you depending on your own understanding?

With one quick word from Christ, the storm abated and the sea became calm (Mark 4:39). The apostles marveled at this powerful display of Jesus’ supernatural ability over the elements (Luke 8:25). This can be immensely comforting to the Christian in a storm. Faith in Christ is never misplaced. If He can calm the storms of the sea with one word, He can calm the storms of life as well.

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/calming-the-storm.html

May God grant you discern,wisdom, and courage to recognize His presence in your storms of life!