Storm

Not everyone has had the privilege or misfortune (depending on the outlook) of being in an actual major storm. I am not just referring to a tropical storm or thunderstorm. I am making reference to storms like hurricanes. The ones that preparation has to be made for to increase the chances of survival. However, due to technology, we can see the effects of these storms and imagine what the impact of the encounter. The thing about major storms is that there is a timeframe in which to expect the occurrence. Not all storms, however, give that allowance. Some storms seem to occur suddenly, catching us off guard. Especially the ones that happen in our lives. These kinds leave us flustered, angry, sad, disappointed, broken, bewildered, forsaken, hopeless, panicking, etc.  I believe it is the somewhat “suddenliness” of it that causes the wind to be knocked out of our lungs. In addition to them occurring suddenly some are of prolonged which further contributes to the devastation.

One of the essential core characteristics of storms is that they never affect just an individual. Usually the affect an entire community, family, state, country, etc. Therefore at least one other person is experiencing the exact impact. This may not seem comforting, but to the contrary, it is, because t lets us know that no matter what we are experiencing we are not alone.

We are not the only ones either who have experienced storms. The disciples in the book of Matthew experienced a “suddenly” storm that left them distraught.  This was a storm that was so fierce that the winds were breaking into the boat. Even though they were fishermen and had experienced storm before and should know how to navigate the situation, this one caught them off guard. There was something about this storm that disrupted their thought process and their entire emotional state, causing them to panic. What was the exact reason? I don’t know. It could be assumed that it was the fierceness of the winds that penetrated them. Or maybe it was the boisterous waves, Or because it occurred suddenly. Whatever, the reason clearly their axis had been tilted.

And as if the suddenness of their seemingly tragic situation was not bad enough, their leader was sound asleep. Whatever triggered them to panic escalated when they recognized that their leader was oblivious to what was happening. In addition, all they could conclude was that certainly, he does not care. That thought pierced them through like a two-edged sword.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were experiencing a major storm, and it seemed like God was asleep? The person you were following and trying to obey their every command was unconcerned with what happening to you. Have you ever felt like you were the stepchild to God? Have you ever felt like He was indifferent to your pain? Have you ever felt like His ears could not hear your voice no matter how loudly you screamed? Have you ever felt like no matter what you did you could not get His attention? Or get Him to attend to your need? He is just “sleeping in your storm?” Well, maybe you have been there. As a matter of fact, maybe that is the exact location of your psyche. If that is the case then I want to let you know that is not the end of your story. How do I know this? Well because it didn’t end there for the disciples either. And because it didn’t end there for them it will not end like that for you, because God is no respecter of person. What He does for one He will do for all.

The story continued and let us know that Jesus arose and spoke to the wind and the waves. He stated “be still ” and the wind and waves obeyed. Him. He will speak to your storms and cause them to be still just like He did for the disciples. You see the disciples were focused on the storm and not the fact that Jesus was in the boat. But if Christ is in the vessel, then we can smile at the storm as the songwriter rightly penned. So shift your focus. Focus on God, the master who can make all things work for our good.

God is never indifferent to what you are going through or to what you have need of. The Bible lets us know that if we being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more our Heavenly Father. He will speak to our storms and cause them to cease. Just have faith. It is getting ready to happen!!!!

2.16.17 Dr.R.A.