Matthew 8:24-27(KJV)
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
While on a journey to the other side, the disciples of Jesus found themselves in a very tough situation. It was so bad that they felt their boat was going to sink. The wind became fierce, with the tides getting higher. The water was already entering their boat. And going by all they saw, there was nothing they could do. Though terrified, the disciples couldn’t accept the possibility of the boat capsizing with Jesus around. It is interesting to note that He could sleep even amid a storm! He wasn’t terrified, impatient, or worried. He was so calm and asleep. Although Jesus appeared to be sleeping in the boat, as long as He was with them in the boat, He still was in control. It is written in Psalm 121:4, “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” His Presence in the boat with the disciples made the difference. Jesus quiets the storm. Even though He rebuked them for their lack of faith, He didn’t abandon them to let them drown because they needed to overcome the imminent crisis, and He was right there to provide it.
The most significant benefit the Christian can have is knowing that our Lord is Sovereign over every circumstance, condition, and challenge we will ever face in this life. When we have Jesus in the boat with us, we have Life, the Holy Spirit, Helper, Savior, Comforter, Strength, Anointing, Angels, Faith, Grace, Favor, Safety, Courage, Confidence, Love, Promotion, achievements, and boldness. When Jesus is in our boat, there’s joy, calmness, and prosperity. Most of the time, life seems like a relentless voyage from one storm to the next. And we wonder why God doesn’t get up and do something. But despite how distant God appears, He is right in the middle of every situation in our lives to bring us out. It does not matter what is happening around us, always remember the Lord is in control. No matter how dire the situation is, He’ll turn those seemingly tough times into our best times. Regardless of the devil’s antics, don’t be afraid because the Stiller of Storms is with us. Very soon, we will testify of His intervention. It is wise to have Jesus in the boat of our lives and as our captain, for He will always rise to any challenge that confronts us. When Jesus LEADS us through the valley of the shadow of death, we are to fear no evil, for HE IS WITH US. We can rest in faith during every storm of our lives because our boat isn’t going down; Jesus is on board. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory….” No matter the challenges, God is always with us and we will always prevail.
Beloved, make sure that you make Christ the Captain of your boat and never embark on any journey without Jesus. No matter how bleak your dilemma is, take the courage that you have a God who rules everything in His Creation. You may be walking in darkness right now and wondering where Jesus is. You may be facing some of the darkest days right now. Let me remind you that our God is forever with you. You may feel like you have lost the battle but remind yourself that the Lord who controls your blessings is also in charge of your struggles or storms. The thing you fear will be the very same vehicle He will use to show up in your life. Storms will come, and they will go but understand Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Stay determined to walk with Him no matter how high the waves are, and know He’s always with you no matter how strong the storm. His Peace is yours, so rest in His Love! Feed on God’s Word to build your faith and calm the storm raging within you. Believe His Word and have faith in Him! As you turn to Him and call on Him for help in the moment of the storm, Jesus will give you the strength you need to overcome. Apply your authority in Christ to still every storm raging against you or around you. Be patient and wait for Him; He will show up right on time because He is never late. Remember, Jesus is greater than any storm you may be facing.
O Lord, thank You for Your Word. I ask that You calm every storm in my life in Jesus’ Name.