The Storm

​          As I recall stories of storms in the New Testament I've noticed that they usually seemed to come while out in the open sea. I am reminded of not one but two stories where the disciples got into a boat to go to the other side. In one instance, Jesus was with them, but He was asleep. The storm arose but it didn’t disturb His peaceful slumber. It was only when His disciples awakened Him that He became aware of what was happening. Even then He was not afraid. He simply rebuked the wind and waves and they quieted down (Matthew 8:23-26). On the other occasion, He was on the land and saw them in the middle of the sea struggling against the rough waters. He went to them walking on water and as soon as He got into the boat, without a word from Him, the wind died down (Matthew 14:22-32). On both occasions they reached safely to their destination.
          I find it interesting that while Jesus and His disciples were on land, there was no storm. But as soon as they got in the boat to go to the other side, a storm arose on their way there. Let’s face it, Jesus never went to the other side for no reason, He was always on a mission; it was for purpose. 
          Life would be so much easier if we chose to stay on land, if we chose to leave the other side alone. You see, it seems safer on land, there are no storms to face. Many times, when God tells us to step out, to leave where we are and go, it takes a lot of courage because we don’t know what challenges we are going to meet. And so sometimes we just prefer to stay in our comfort zone, to stay on land because it is safer, it is predictable, we can handle it. But stepping out on the sea takes courage and faith because once we make a move, the devil is just waiting to derail us, to stop us in our tracks, to hinder us from getting to the other side where God’s purpose for us lies. But, if we would only remember that Jesus is always in the boat with us - He might be sleeping but He’s there, He might be on land looking at us struggling against the storm but He will make His way to the boat to help us - if we would only remember that He will never leave us nor forsake us, then we would get into that boat with confidence, knowing that whatever storm comes our way, Jesus is right there taking us through safely to our destiny. After all nothing can stop the destiny that God has planned for us … especially when we make the choice, in faith, to simply GET UP and GO to the other side.

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