Like Raging Storms
The God who saved us from hell can also help us live this life. Life’s circumstances can often seem too much to handle. The disciples just experienced the feeding of 5,000, and Matthew 14:22-36 finds them in
the middle of a storm. They went from a mountaintop event to a walk in the valley. The situations of life can seem like raging storms. First, sometimes we feel the storm is winning—“The boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves.” (v. 24) The light at the end of the tunnel turns out to be an on-coming train; then, the roof caves in! Life is not always pleasant and good, not even when serving the Lord. And often, it seems like God is nowhere to be found. The disciples were alone in the boat. Second, sometimes we feel the darkness is overwhelming—“In the fourth watch of the night.” (v. 25) It was late at night, past midnight in that dark hour just before dawn: that time of night when every sound disturbs you. Yet, Jesus is right there at the darkest times: “He came to them, walking on the sea.” Jesus tests your faith when He allows you to experience difficulties. Do you recognize His presence there with you? Do you trust His power to handle your problem? Or are you so consumed with the “storm” like the disciples were that you miss Jesus’ presence? Third, sometimes we feel the adversity is stronger—“Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water … but when he saw the wind, he was afraid.” (vv. 29-30) He gave it his best effort. There are times when our best just isn’t enough. The waves and the wind seem too strong for us. Fourth, sometimes we feel the end is near—“And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’” (v. 30) It feels like we won’t survive. But Jesus remains our sufficiency for all these things—“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (v. 31)
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.