Driven into a storm!

Matthew 14:22-36

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.

Food for thought!

This is not a story of what Jesus once did in a storm in the past; it is what he always does for his people, when the wind is contrary and are in danger of being overwhelmed by the storms of life. It is a story about Jesus and his struggling people. And in order to teach us this great lesson, Jesus  purposely sent his disciples into the storm. The gospel says, "As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side." Jesus insisted that the disciples go into the direction of the storm. Yes, sometimes he sends us intentionally into life's storms. 

God led the Israelites to the Red Sea— He’s led you to yours. God allowed Daniel to be thrown into a den of lions to be devoured— He’s done the same with you . He gave David the opportunity to defeat a giant— He’s giving you the chance as well. He permitted Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego to step into a fiery furnace, but He met them there. He’ll meet you in your furnace of affliction. He gave Peter the opportunity to walk on water— He’s calling you upon it too. But, you’ll have to trust Him. That’s what He’s after . . . your trust in Him. "Anyone who trusts in him will not be put to shame." (Romans 10: 11)

Trusting Jesus is our choice. Trusting God is not a decision you make once. It’s a choice that must be made hundreds upon hundreds of times a day. The decision will sometimes be small, at other times, life changing. Either way, the choice comes down to whether or not you believe that Jesus is trustworthy. Peter had a chance to trust Jesus. While the other disciples stayed in the boat, Peter took a risk — He chose to trust, even through his doubts.

So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation like of the disciples, pushed into a storm, and no matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, it seems that you cannot make any headway, just remember that sometimes the Lord drives into storms. 

Notice how Jesus came to them that night. The gospel says that Jesus came to them about four o'clock in the morning, that is, during the darkest hours of the night. You may be walking in darkness right now and wondering where Jesus is. You may be facing some of the darkest days of your life right now. Let me remind you that our God is ever with us, (Heb. 13:5). "I’ll be with you as you, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Mt 28:20).

Jesus may not keep you from going into the storm, but he will encourage and comfort you in the midst of the storm! "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." What I am trying to tell you is this: Do not fear the storms of Life! They have been designed by the Lord as a means of bringing him closer to you. He planned them and they are for your good - Rom. 8:28 So, instead of pushing you away from the Lord, your problems ought to bring you closer to Jesus. Let's be like Peter. The more he sunk into the waters the more he cried to Jesus. 

The storms of life also serve to remind us of our need to focus on Jesus. Like Peter, there are times when we get our eyes off the Lord. "But when Peter looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink." After this bitter experience, Peter got the message clear. That is why he now advises us: (2Peter 1:19) "You'll do well to keep focusing on Jesus. He is the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts."