One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. Luke 8:22-23
You’re probably familiar with the account. Not long after Jesus and His disciples set sail, a violent windstorm arose on the Sea of Galilee, causing even the most experienced sailors among them to fear for their lives. In those moments, Jesus taught His followers some important lessons, lessons we’re still learning today, things we’ll never grasp standing on the shore.
Storms don’t surprise God.
Jesus sent His disciples into that storm. The trip across the lake was His idea. He knew the storm would come and He sent them into the teeth of it. Let that sink in for a moment.
They didn’t go alone.
Jesus went into the storm with them. God doesn’t throw us into a situation with the hopes that we’ll swim rather than sink. He is right there– before, during and after the storm.
Kingdom living can’t be all theory.
Jesus had just finished delivering the Sermon on the Mount challenging the conventional wisdom on what it meant to honor God and live a life of faith rather than a life of trying to work your way to heaven. When storms hit, they raise difficult questions. Things like how could God let this happen to me? Don’t you care that we perish? Where is your faith? It is in the storms where we decide if we are going to live the kingdom life or just recite the platitudes.
The storms reveal His true nature.
Jesus was in control the entire time. The storm didn’t surprise Him. It didn’t last an instant longer than He allowed. When it was over, His deity was unquestioned.
What have you learned through the storms?
