In the Midst of a Storm
I just finished reading a seven-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible app called “Seven Hebrew Words Every Believer Should Know”. Day seven’s word was “Mem” which means Chaos. The Hebrew word for water-Mayim- comes from the root word mem. The devotional referenced the story when Jesus walked on the water in the sea of Galilee (John 6:19). I have always been one to ask why God does certain signs and wonders, not to question His authority, but to better understand His nature and ways. In John 6:19, the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and were frightened. But in verse 20, the Lord says to them, “It is I; do not be afraid”. Has one ever questioned why Jesus chose to walk on Water? What was the purpose of showing this miraculous sign? And why in the Sea of Galilee?
In my quest to discover more about my God’s nature, I am beginning to understand that the Lord seeks total intimacy and not half-hearted submission. Matthew 14:28, Peter, one of Jesus’ Disciples asks to walk on the water. When Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, Peter begins to sink. I believe it was in the moment Jesus was illustrating yet again his deity and purpose on Earth. Jesus brought clarity in the midst of the great storm or chaos. As the sea was raging, Peter focused on Jesus despite his surroundings. The second Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Although this story is one of the most notable in the Bible, we can not dismiss the significance of its meaning. Jesus walking on water can be reminiscent of our lives today. We all are going through some form of chaos like the disciples experienced when rowing across Galilee. But in the midst of all of it, Jesus was there. He was in the midst of the storm but most importantly He provided safety in the midst of the storm. Verse 32, shows the storm calmed once Jesus got into the boat with the other disciples.
There is not a question of if you will face a storm, but only when. True Believers in Christ suffer many trials but be in good cheer, the testing of our faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-4). The reason why Jesus chose to walk on the water was to display to His followers that there is no hardship or obstacle that is too big for God to overcome. Psalm 139:7 says Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Verse 9, If I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” None of us are Peter, we will have moments like Peter had. All of us will be in the midst of a storm when it just seems like we are all alone, but be in good cheer, our Savior is here to rescue us and ride out the storm with us. Beloved you are not alone. You will never be alone. Let Psalms 139, Matthew 14, and John 6 be a guiding light for you. Your creator will stop at no great lengths to show you who He is, prevent you from drowning, and show His everlasting Grace. Beloved, take heart for you are not alone, your storm is almost over.
Go in Peace.