It’s one of the most famous stories in scripture.
It shows the character of Jesus just as much if not more than any other passage of scripture.
It’s been depicted in flannel graphs and precious moments Bibles for years.
It’s the story of Jesus calming the storm.
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”” [Mark 4:35-41]
When I first read this story, It seems like Jesus is kinda being cruel to His followers in the boat. After all, it was Jesus’ idea to go to the other side and get stuck in the storm. He was the one that wanted to go across the water and even allowed other boats to be in the water (he was God, so He could’ve taken them out of the storm too) knowing the storm would come.
But Jesus lets them get in a mess and seemingly doesn’t even care.
Thank God, that the end of the story results in Jesus getting up from His comfy spot on the front of the boat that would’ve been reserved for the guest and calms the storm.
Jesus brings back sanity and security after the storm.
But, what if this isn’t Jesus being spiteful and letting His disciples suffer a little bit?
What if this is actually a story of Jesus’ grace on display, His love in action, His power on display?
It is. For the disciples, it was. For us, it is.
Ultimately, it’s Jesus telling them and reminding them of His love to be there IN the storm. You see, I don’t want a God who is silent and non present. I want one who is there… no matter the storm or calm. One that is with me in the boat even when I cause the storm.
Jesus reminds us of that.
What drowning moments have I recently experienced in life that could be developmental moments instead? That’s one of the reasons these times happen. Jesus, in His grace, wants us to feel His presence. We’re made for relationship and relationship is often built best through struggles and difficulties. Many times, without the storm we never know what if feels like for our Creator to BE the calm.
Here’s what I’ve figured out in my own life…
I often ask God to “let me out” of life situations, believing that he actually can. If I believe he can rescue me, why don’t I believe he’ll leave me in what’s best for me?
Why don’t I believe that God has a purpose in my pain?
That He’s present in my problems.
That He can bring good from my grief.
So, whatever you’re doing today…
Whether you feel like your in the midst of the calm or the storm is about to sink your boat…
Jesus is aware even when it seems He’s asleep.
He’s present even if we feel like He’s preoccupied.
Jesus is doing something spectacular in your storm.
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[bctt tweet=”Jesus is aware even when it seems He’s asleep.” username=”jonathanpearson”]
[bctt tweet=”He’s present even if we feel like He’s preoccupied.” username=”jonathanpearson”]
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