“Why the Storm?” – Part 1

Matthew 14:22-34
And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.   And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.  And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

 

Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea. (not a lot of information given as to why). As the ship was in the middle of the journey an unexpected storm arose and the ship was tossed with waves and the wind was contrary. (bad circumstances). It was at the darkest hour of a most frightening experience when Jesus, the Keeper, came walking on the water.  The One Who is greater than the waves, wind, and water (the bad circumstances) spoke to these men in the darkness and chaos of this storm.

 

Jesus still speaks in the midst of storms.

Jesus still speaks when there are bad circumstances.

Jesus still speaks in the darkness.

Jesus still speaks in our distress.

Jesus still speaks in the midst of our discouragement.

Jesus still speaks in the loneliness of depression.

Jesus still speaks in times of uncertainty.
 
When we cannot understand the ”why” of the journey.
When we cannot see the safety of the shore.
 
When we don’t see how we’re going to make it through… He speaks.
“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

 

D L Rogers