God Still Calms Storms
I have been in the middle of both hurricanes and tornadoes. The power of the wind awes me. The sound can be deafening as it pounds against you in relentless blasts, and after it passes, the earth is changed. Trees that once stood tall and proud are now splintered and shattered. Buildings can explode under the pressure of the wind trapped inside. Water fills places it was never meant to go, and life comes to a standstill. Nature contains a power few things can rival. Yet, nature’s raging does not surprise or intimidate the Lord for all the fury of a raging storm is but a distant echo of creation.
After teaching to massive crowds, healing the sick, and correcting the misguided, Jesus was tired. Does anyone else need to hear that today? Some days I am just tired. What did the Son of God do when he was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained? He took a nap. Sometimes I overcomplicate things. I put more stress on myself than God intended. Jesus’ earthly ministry not only showed us how to live a godly life, it showed us how to be productive and healthy as we do it. He often pulled away from everyone to pray. He took naps when he was tired. He surrounded himself with friends who would support and help him with his work. Most importantly, he didn’t worry about things he knew were in God’s control.
As his friends panicked, Jesus slept. As the waves rose and the boat was rocked almost to capsizing, a content snore might have escaped the lips of the Messiah. We can feel the disciples’ panic in their scream, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (verse 25). I can imagine Jesus slowly sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he responded, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (verse 26) Notice, he didn’t call them faithless. Afterall, they had the faith to cry out to Jesus to save them. He chastised their small faith. In the middle of the storms of our lives, it takes faith to cling to God. Small faith understands that God will protect us through life’s struggles. Strong faith believes God is directing the storm. Small faith fearfully cries out to be saved. Strong faith rides the waves like an expert surfer.
Our lives are an endless cycle of storms and calm. What peace knowing God controls the uncontrollable brings! Some storms rise up in a moment without warning while others slowly build until the downpour is inevitable. Through it all, God always has complete control. Whether He helps us navigate the churning waters or calms the waves completely, we can be as peaceful as Jesus was on a boat tossed about by the wind. God is in control so we don’t have to be. Let go and enjoy the ride. Our God is big enough to navigate every situation we find ourselves in.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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