Power Over the Wind

Years ago, I gave a speech at a Toastmaster’s Humorous Speech contest on “How to Speak Southern.” I gave a series of southern words, complete with a strong southern accent and a funny definition of each word. One of my favorite southern words was “ever-which-aways,” which means “scattered in all directions.”

"Ever-which-aways" seems so fitting to describe the crazy weather we’ve had in San Antonio the last few months. Dry, hot days with winds an average of about 15 mph. This has gone on for several months with very little rain, adding now to the weather forecast, a regular fire warning. These crazy winds affect way more than just messy hair and dust in one’s eyes!

There’s nothing I can do to change these windy days, except pray for rain. Yet, Jesus, in the Scriptures, demonstrated His power over the wind. Here’s the story:

 “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him.” Matthew 8:23-27

The Sea of Galilee was known for its violent storms that would come out of nowhere. The severity of the storm was so severe as the disciples woke Jesus fearful that they would drown. But Jesus was sleeping. As Jesus awoke, He questioned their faith. “Why are you so afraid?” He was upset at their fear, probably because fear and unbelief go hand in hand. When we trust in a trustworthy God, what do we have to fear?

Then, Jesus did what only Jesus could do. He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves. Can you imagine? He stopped the wind and waves! No one can do that! The disciples were amazed and questioned, “Who can this be?” In this short little section, we see that Jesus not only was fully human (needing to sleep) but fully God (able to calm the wind and waves)

I need this story. Maybe you do too. Jesus had authority over the winds on the Sea of Galilee just as he has authority over the winds in our lives. What are the winds in your life? What makes you stay awake at night? Where does fear take over in your life? When we look up at the winds before us, stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks can occur. Jesus may ask us “Why are you so afraid?”

How has fear blinded crippled you today? Do you realize the power of Jesus? God uses the storms in our life to help us realize that we can’t control our lives. How is God calling you to greater faith? Call out the name of Jesus. He is near.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.