23 “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ 26 And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:23-27) ESV.
Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that their faith needed to be the one whom they decided to follow––him. As we also face fearful situations, we too are reminded today that Jesus wants us to realize that our faith needs to be whom we follow––him.
Just as the disciples got in a boat with Jesus they found themselves caught in a life-threatening storm when they crossed the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is actually 600 feet below sea level and cold winds coming down from nearby Mount Hermon create a blender style cup of water producing sudden and violent storms.
Many of these disciples were not only fishermen, but also experienced sailors. They were use to storms on the sea. Those of us who live in Florida are also somewhat use to experiencing the arrival of hurricanes. When the disciples cried out, ‘Save us Lord; we are perishing” (v. 25) they were basically saying “Lord don’t you see what’s happening? Don’t you care about us?” When hurricanes suddenly develop many of us watch and wait to see just where it is going. On September 11, 2017 Hurricane Irma continued on its path and many of us waited and watched in uncertainty. The question we all have to ask ourselves is not where is the storm going, but where is our faith.
All of us experience storms in our life. We experience health issues, economic trouble, and relationship problems and so we too pray, “Lord I am perishing, don’t you care?” The issue for us is not the storm it’s the uncertainty. It’s the uncertainty in the storms of our lives that challenge our faith.
The boat in this passage can be an object lesson in that the boat is our life. It takes us through all the trials and challenges of the news we don’t want such as the doctor’s prognosis, the bills in the mailbox, or a family member who won’t talk to us anymore. However, as you read this passage ask yourself, “Where is Jesus while all this was going on?” Oh yes, he was right there with the disciples, in the boat! So we are reminded the words God told Joshua he tells us, “I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).
Pastor and author Mark Batterson said, “Tragedy does not define us. By faith, we define it. One way or the other, it becomes a defining moment.” Perhaps today is the defining moment in your life where you need affirm God’s care and love for you even in the midst of your storm.
All of us can praise the Lord no matter where we are. Whether it’s an impending hurricane or the storm in your life Jesus wants us to remain faithful and trusting in his care for us. What is the storm in your life? Tonight as you go to bed, let the words of the psalmist be your prayer, “I will lie down in peace and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
