“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!””

Matthew 8:23-27 NLT

This recorded story of Jesus shows us that, as the living Son of God, he is greater than any fierce and unexpected storms that may come our way.

Reflection

Have you ever been caught in a fierce and unexpected storm? Often, there isn’t much time to adjust or prepare for the reality of what is unfolding right before you. The disciples, including many experienced fishermen, believed they were going to drown in this intense and life-threatening storm.

Jesus was sleeping. His creation was doing what nature does. There wasn’t anything alarming to him about their situation. He knew that at any time, he could address his creation and tell it to settle down. Storm time is over.

Up to this point, the disciples had never seen Jesus in a fierce and unexpected storm. They knew he could heal, and his teaching had genuine authority. As they got to know who he really was, they believed in him. This was new territory for the disciples with Jesus.

When Jesus is awakened, he addresses their fear and minuscule faith. Then, he does the unthinkable. He addresses the unexpected fierce storm and brings peace and calm to the entire ordeal. The disciples were left with a new question in coming to a fuller understanding of who Jesus is: The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Encouragement

There will be fierce and unexpected storms that hit our lives. Often, these situations may be ones in which we have not seen Jesus work on our behalf to address them. This is new territory in our relationship with Christ.

Like the disciples, we will want to pick up fear and not focus on our faith in Christ during these storms. Jesus invites us to come to him in faith, express our concerns, and watch how he moves heaven and earth to advocate for us. In the midst of life-threatening realities, we have the opportunity to experience a savior who is greater than anything life can throw our way.
Not unlike the storm, he can transform the fiercest of circumstances with amazing peace and calm.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for letting us see you respond to fierce and unexpected storms by bringing peace and calm.
Thank you for allowing us to experience and know you in ways we didn’t know you prior to the fierce and unexpected storm.
Help us to step away from fear during these times and keep our focus on you when our lives are at risk. We love you and trust you today.

In your name, Jesus, we pray,

Amen

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries