The month of May here in Texas was a taste of what all of us, at some point, experience in life: the invasion of storms. The storms came at all times of the day, some with warnings of severe wind and larger than life hail and other times, no warning whatsoever. The invasion of these storms had their affects on most of us.
I experienced such an invasion just this week. My brother and I had just felt a bit of relief in seeing my dad thrive in his new assited living apartment. We had also sensed some relief with the selling of his house and possessions. Now, just this week, my dad (at 95) broke his hip, had surgery and still in the hospital recovering. The invasion of storms.
In Matthew 14, 22-23, the story of Jesus coming to his disciples walking on the water is truly such a mind-blowing event in the gospels. See if you can relate to Jesus. After a long day of ministry, Jesus just wanted some time away. He just wanted to rest and spend time with his Father.
He asked the disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side of the lake. At evening, the boat experienced severe waves. Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. (Did you read that right? Yes!) When the disciples saw Jesus, they were terrified. They thought Jesus was a ghost. Listen to the text here:
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage!” It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, it it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith.” He said, “why do you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:27-33)
In Matthew 14, 22-23, the story of Jesus coming to his disciples walking on the water is truly such a mind-blowing event in the gospels. See if you can relate to Jesus. After a long day of ministry, Jesus just wanted some time away. He just wanted to rest and spend time with his Father.
He asked the disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side of the lake. At evening, the boat experienced severe waves. Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. (Did you read that right? Yes!) When the disciples saw Jesus, they were terrified. They thought Jesus was a ghost. Listen to the text here:
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage!” It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, it it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith.” He said, “why do you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:27-33)
The reality of this story to our daily life hit me! Here are some takeaways for us in our lives:
1. Jesus will allow us to go through storms. He certainly did with the disciples. Whether you’re following God or not, God uses the difficulties in our lives to shape us more into his image, remind us of our need for him and shows us who He really is.
2. There was never a moment is this story where Jesus wasn’t present. He knew all along what they were going through. He came at just the right time to his disciples.
3. Our focus has to be on Jesus, as we walk through storms. The disciples just wanted to see the storm stop. We’d probably be the same way! They had to be tired of rowing and rowing. They were so focused on getting through it, that they missed him when he came to them walking on the water. Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on Him. He will see us through.
4. Do not be afraid with the storm you're in! The disciples had nothing to fear because God was in control. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ. Yes, he was afraid when he saw the wind, but look at how Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught Peter!
This story is such a comfort when the invasion of the storm occurs. It also gives us the courage to keep on walking and trusting God each day. May God carry you and help you keep your eyes on Him during the invasion of the storm.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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