God’s servants are not exempt from the storms of life. They are certain to come. It is at that time we face a choice—faith or fear?
John tells us that he and the other disciples were in the same boat. It is true of everyone in ministry. Our “boat” may be a different size and the storms we face may be of a diverse nature, but the bottom line—it is a storm that tests us with the same choice. I have heard it said, “You are either heading into a storm, in a storm, or coming out of one.” It is the common lot of those who follow Christ in this creation that is groaning under the curse.
“And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them,” (v. 17b). What do you do when darkness envelopes you, and you long for the Lord and He is nowhere apparent. Perhaps that is the way you feel today. You are rowing and rowing, but the wind only blows harder and the waves mount higher!
It is then—in that moment of desperation—that Jesus shows up. The very storm that we never wanted to be in becomes the means by which Christ will manifest His presence in a profound manner!
Yet, at first, His appearance only intensified their fear. Can you imagine being in such a desperate situation and seeing what appears a specter walking on top of the water toward you?
Then the Lord speaks, “It is I; do not be afraid.” It is the Word of God that produces faith and drives away our fear. Circumstances change. One moment the disciples were on course and suddenly they are in a storm. Yet, just as quickly the storm is over and “immediately the boat was at the land where they were going,” (v. 21b). What does not change are the immutable promises of God.
To those who preach the Word, let us be reminded to trust that Word. We call people to faith, and so should model that faith.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
You can stand on the promises, even when sitting in a boat buffeted by winds and waves. Often we have little choice about the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we always have a choice as to how we respond to them. Fear or faith? You make the call.
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