With Spring comes thunder storms. In Tennessee, we’ve been experiencing terrifying tornado’s with our storms. Last Friday a large tornado ripped through the area destroying homes and lives. We were fortunate. The storm passed over us without any damage.
I’m learning that the storms of life are much like Spring storms. Some are more damaging than others, but most can be frightening.
When you’re in the midst of a raging storm whether it’s financial, relational or an unexpected illness, does Christ seem far away and unaware of your situation? While I know that’s not true, the weight of my own burdens can often make me feel as if I’m carrying them alone. Even in situations that seem reasonable for me to handle, I frequently find myself asking, “Where are you God? I need to know that you are near.”
While the disciples of Chrsit were experienced seamen, they found themselves in a desperate situation that only Jesus could overcome. Do you recall this story found in Mark chapter four?The angry sea was tossing the men about as water filled their boat. Surely they would drown. Where was Jesus? He was in the same place He always is when I’m in the midst of a storm. Jesus was asleep in the boat, unaware, or so it seems.
Defeated by their own efforts to save themselves, the disciples became afraid and anxiously cried out to Jesus. Responding to their cry, Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the storm. Then he asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?”
Good question. What comes to the surface when you’re in a raging storm—faith or fear? If Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us, then we have nothing to fear. In order to survive, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, who is in the boat, instead of the raging winds of our circumstance.
In doing so, we learn:
1.) Jesus is aware of our circumstances. Even though Jesus was asleep in the boat, he was aware of their situation. The storm didn’t wake him, but the cry of his disciple did and Jesus took immediate action. Isn’t that interesting? The howl of storm didn’t demand Jesus’ attention, only the cry of his child. Jesus is aware and in control of your situation.
2.) God will answer your cry for help. The disciples were experienced fishermen, yet with this storm, they were in over their heads. Sometimes we have to come to the end of our own self-effort before God can work. When we give up and cry out, Jesus will answer our call.
3.) With Jesus, you can make it through the storm. Every one of us is going to face hardship. Only the child of God has the promise of his presence with them in the midst of a storm. Although Jesus never promised us a life of smooth sailing, he did promise us a safe journey.
God will not leave you abandoned in the middle of your hardship. He will see you safely through. When the waves of trouble come crashing in on you, know that you are not alone. There’s no need to fear. Instead, have faith that Jesus is in the boat. With Him, you can survive the storm.
DOakley says
Thank you, Micca, for the reminder! The last few weeks as I try to get a grip on our finances with some help from Marybeth Whalen’s book “Learning to Live Financially Free,” I have often felt alone since it’s taking my husband a while to clue in and get involved in the process. I have come to rely on God more and that “still small voice,” and it’s amazing how things are so much calmer and easier to handle. I’m glad I have Him in my boat!
Cindy says
I really needed this today. I woke up with anxiety and even though I knew in my heart it was misplaced and unfounded based on who Jesus is, it was there all the same.
JottinMama says
What a great post for me, Micca 🙂
I almost always respond with fear. Thanks for reminding me of this story in Mark. It encourages me 🙂
Have a great day,
Kate 🙂
Joan Davis says
Thank you Micca. Since December I have been experiencing some of my own “storms”, literally and figuratively. It’s always a good reminder that He calms our storms, but sometimes so hard to surrender. I look so forward to seeing and hearing you at my own church this Sunday – YEA! I met you last summer at She Speaks, not that you would remember with so many faublous women there, but I can’t wait to hear you again!
Wendy Blight says
Micca,
Wow, your words gave me amazing comfort and allowed me to see this story in a whole new light when you said it was not until Jesus heard the cry of His child that He awakened, spoke, and took action. What great wisdom!!!
Thank you for this post today…it really spoke a fresh word to me.
Love you TONS,
me