About a week ago, our area experienced an earthquake. The sound was eerie and our house shook pretty hard, leaving no doubt as to what was occurring.
It brought to mind the movie “Twister”, an adventure movie from the 1990’s about two storm chasers researching tornadoes.
As the intensity of the storm increased, the two researchers decide to head into the storm rather than avoid it. “Tighten your seat belt. I think we’re going in!” The one line reminded me of another storm.
After a long day of teaching and feeding the crowd, we are told in Matthew 14:22 that:
“Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away.” (NASB)
The disciples were in a boat, far away from land, facing strong winds and fighting heavy waves. And it was all because Jesus had sent them into the storm.
“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23, NASB)
Jesus was not in the boat with them but rather, He had gone up into the hills to be alone and pray.
We aren’t privy to the prayers Jesus offered while praying, but I would like to think He was praying for the disciples. Perhaps He prayed for them to be filled with faith. Or to have courage. Or for them to be safe in the storm.
Perhaps He may have even prayed for them to understand
He would be with them in the midst of the storm.
As the winds blew and the waves crashed upon their boat, Jesus came walking on the water towards them.
“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” (verse 27, NLT)
We often become so fixated on Peter’s desire to walk towards Jesus, we overlook the truth that Jesus had already walked towards him. Jesus had already come to Peter.
We so long for a storm-free life. Yet Jesus tells us, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NASB). But we can be confident that Jesus will be with us in the midst of the storms. Jesus is always there, sitting at the right hand of the Father, praying for us.
“Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.“ (Romans 8:34b, NASB)
May this truth fill your heart and mind with with assurance:
Jesus,
praying and interceding for us.
Jesus,
comes to us in our storms.
Communication can be a tricky thing for often our words can be misunderstood, misconstrued, or misused. My sweet blogging friend, Lois Flowers, brought much wisdom and food for thought in her post, “How to Respond When Our Words are Misunderstood” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
