Oh the storms of life…if you have not experienced them, you will. They are inevitable to every inhabitant on this planet physically, emotionally, and financially. Storms are not selective – no matter your skin color, wallet size, place of dwelling, educational goals – storms hit unannounced in various strengths whenever they want with a fury that sometimes knocks us off our feet.
Jesus’ disciples experienced such a storm in Mark 4:35 – 38, “That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.”
My son Ben (24) is one of those men who can fix anything, find anything, and has a knack for getting himself out of whatever comes his way. He’s an extreme sportsman, from white water rafting to rock climbing, he has done it all. Ben knows how to survive in nature; how to find fresh water, build structures, administer first aide – you name it – he can do it. While in Costa Rica, we had the opportunity to explore the Rain Forests. I made sure that I stayed close on his heels because I knew if we got lost, I could make it as long as I was with him.
“The disciples woke Him and said, ‘Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”
Often when we are in the middle of a storm we wonder if God even knows we are in it. There are times He seems so silent it appears as though He is sleeping. “Are you even there? Do you know what I’m going through? Why are you doing this to me?” we ask.
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Is Jesus in your boat? One of the toughest questions to answer sometimes comes when hurricanes hit our lives and all that we know and love is challenged by this simple question. We may know He is in the boat but it feels like He is snoozing away while the tumultuous waters rise higher and higher, the boat seems to be filled with water, and our last breath is just minutes away. We want to feel like we are walking on the heels of Ben in the Rain Forests of Costa Rica, but often times, doubt and insecurity make us believe we ‘go it alone.’
“He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
When your storms hit remember praise, prayer, and perseverance. You don’t have to wake Jesus up. He will get you to the other side.
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Let God be God…your God…ride out the boat…for ‘wherever you go’ He is with you.
