Walk Of Life – Day 14, May 2022 – Thoughts From The Words Of Christ

Jesus Calms A Storm On The Sea (Matthew 8: 23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke: 22-25)

Ministry work in early days was not a easy job. It requires a good and fit body, lot of patience, stamina and sacrifice as it involved lot of travelling barefoot and by sea. Lord Jesus lived for thirty three years on earth, the time he spend in ministry was only three years and it was very hectic. When news of healing spread, people from many towns would get the demon possessed and the sick with a faith of been healed. Being human, this must have been very exhausting for the Lord. The only time He rested was few hours sleep in night and during his travels on the boat.

Lord Jesus had spent a day in Capernaum, teaching and healing many people. When He saw that the crowd kept increasing He ordered his disciples to prepare the boat to go the other side of the shore to the region of Gadarenes. After resting in Peter’s home, early morning while it was still dark, they started their journey. Lord Jesus tired from the day’s work took the opportunity to sleep in the boat. The disciples being experienced fishermen could manage the dangers of facing violent storms in the sea. But a furious squall came over unexpectedly and the boat was covered with waves filling it with water. The situation went out of control and they feared that they would die. They saw Lord Jesus sleeping peacefully and woke him up in panic. He woke up and rebuked the storm and the sea calmed down immediately.

What a relief it would have been for the disciples. It takes less than a minute to read these five lines in the Holy Bible but has so much to teach us.

• God wants his peace to be in you at all times
  Isaiah 26:3 says that “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
  Lord Jesus was physically strained in his body and mind but his heart was at peace because He trusted in the love and care of his Father. The fact that He could have a sound sleep in a furious storm is a proof of that.
• God listens your prayers
  When the disciples tried to handle the situation on their own they failed. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8:25. Even though He was tired, Lord Jesus was not disturbed by their cries for help.
• God deals with your fears
  When the disciples panicked in fear and woke up Lord Jesus, He could have rebuked the storm first. But laying on the boat He said, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matthew 8:26.  The Lord expected his disciples to trust him completely by now as they had seen significant miracles by which He displayed great power and authority. So He chose to strengthen them spiritually first.
•  God delivers us from our troubles.
  Once Lord Jesus dealt with the disciples spiritual weakness, then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26.
  God does not remove the thorns in your life immediately. He waits till you are spiritually fit and healthy to accept the miracle in complete faith. For his delays are not denials. And sometimes like in case of apostle Paul, He lets the thorn remain with you, so that you can grow in his grace. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
• God has supreme power
  The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:27.  
  The storm the disciples faced was so sudden and severe, it appears to be work of ruler of the kingdom of air, the Devil. But at the rebuke of the Lord, the winds and the waves obeyed in silence. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18.  

 God wants you to trust him at all time. He loves you so much that He does not weary from hearing your prayers but it would please him if you go to him first. He is able to sympathise with your weakness and strengthen you. Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He has delivered you in the past, He can do the same today too. You just have to stand still and wait patiently for his appointed time.