Weekend Worship—Into the Storm

On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Mark 4:35-38

I’ve always known the storms of life would come. I also never believed that being a believer would guarantee me a life free from friction.

But I never clued into the fact that sometimes being in the middle of God’s perfect will would propel me into hurricane force winds.

Somehow I had developed the idea that God’s will was a safe haven. That when I was there, I’d be protected. Oh I knew the enemy would throw the weight of his frustration against me, but I still felt like God would direct me safely around and through his attacks.

But this passage above (and several others) show Jesus directing the disciples right into the teeth of danger. They obeyed, without the slightest hesitation, and still ended up in the midst of chaos.

As I considered all the implications of this passage it finally dawned on me that these storms have a purpose—a God-driven purpose. He sends me into these crazy difficult situations to strengthen me and to give me a foundation for my faith. Every time my own boat seems swamped and danger surrounds me, He’s there. He calms the waves of chaos when I turn to Him, each time making my faith stronger and more unshakable.