Do Not Fear The Storms

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly 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.
                                        Matt 8:23-26 NIV

Those of you who know me; know that I love the water and I love being on it. Bodies of water are reminders to me of my baptism into the family of God. They are also a reminder that God is with me through the strongest of storms. Following Jesus is not a walk in the park or the garden. Following Jesus will take us to places that we would rightfully fear to go if he was not leading.

When the disciples followed Jesus into the boat a storm arose. Jesus took a nap. Yet, there was no need to fear because he was with them. When we choose to follow Jesus we can be sure that we will encounter rough waters. You will encounter many storms that threaten to sink and drown you. Do not fear! God in Christ Jesus is with you. He is ruler even over the roughest storms.

Do not fear; but, sail in faith wherever God in Christ Jesus will lead you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jesus Calms The Disciples And The Storms

   One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.  As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.  
   The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

   He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

   In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

                                                                           Luke 8:22-25 NIV

Jesus calms the disciples and the seas. He commands even the winds and the waters. They listen to him. But, there is something else we need to remember. The storm did not begin until they were out on the sea with Jesus.

Following Jesus is no guarantee that there will not be storms in your life. In fact, it might guarantee even a few more. If you truly follow Jesus you will face obstacles and opposition of all kinds. Jesus never promised that we would not have troubling or stormy times. Only that with him, we would weather them. We would live. We can live in peace knowing that the one who has power over all things is with us always.

There is no need to fear the storms. The one who commands the winds and the waves is with you and for you. But, sometimes, you will need to experience a few storms on the sea before you can reach the other side.

God's Peace - Pr. J

In The Storm With Jesus

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly 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!”

                                                                       (Matt 8:23-27 NIV)

It would be very nice if we encountered no storms in life. Or would it? If there were no storms how would we recognize peace? How would we know quiet? Quite often people have the mistaken idea that once a person accepts Jesus as their Lord all will be well with their lives. There will be no more storms. Everything will go smooth from here on out. That is just not so.

The story of Jesus calming the storm reminds us that the storm did not even begin until Jesus got into the boat. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34 that he did not come to bring peace; but a sword. Troubles will come in this world. They came to Jesus. They will come to his followers. But, we can also be assured that in the midst of those troubles we can know the peace of heart and mind that comes with trusting Jesus. St. Paul wrote to the Philippians:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8)

Yes, the storm began after Jesus got into the boat with the disciples. But, do not fear the storm. God hears your pleas and Christ is with you in the midst of every storm so that as you trust in him, you will know the peace that comes from being in the presence of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Storms With Jesus

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly 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!” Matt 8:23-25

We all have weathered a storm or two or many more. There is a theology running rampant out in the world that tells us that if we are really Christians life will go smoothly; we will have everything that we want; all will go well for those who love Jesus.

The truth is: the followers of Jesus will encounter many storms. In fact, once you begin to truly follow him, you may find yourself  in more storms than you thought was possible and you will live and your faith will be strengthened, through them all.

Following Jesus, means being willing to love and serve God above all things; as well as, loving and serving our neighbors. That's not always looked upon kindly in a world that is all about "me, me, me..." No one likes to be reminded that there is more to life than looking out for "number one" all of the time. No one likes to be reminded that sin abounds in the world and that one might be assisting in the propagation of sin by those who deny the authority and the love of God. And... so there will be storms where the Christian walks. There will be storms around us; because, even as Jesus was rejected so shall the faithful follower of Jesus be.

If you're going to follow Jesus onto the seas, you should take stock and know that storms will surely arise. But, God, in Christ Jesus, will be with you in that boat.

Be not afraid for God is with you through the storms that you encounter for following Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J