There have been many “perfect storms” but when a really big one hits, there is no amount of human intervention that could have prevented the destruction. Yet there is always blame against anyone and everyone – including God! Lessons can be learnt and measures introduced like early warning systems and evacuation. We must accept that there will always be the unexpected in our lives. There will always be times when there is enormous loss of property and lives. What lessons can we learn from the “perfect storm” that the disciples ran into and is mentioned in the gospels?

1. Storms will come

Storms will come and stuff will happen. It should not surprise us. The apostle Peter reminds us: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). There are many who do not seem to understand this. The disciples seemed to be shocked that they were in this position. There are all sorts of questions (mostly doubt) that go through our mind. If it happened to the disciples; when Jesus was there; then it can certainly happen to you!

A storm may be raging in your life that is not meteorological. It could be financial, health, relationships or some other area. The passages in Matthew and Luke simply record the words of the disciples as, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25, Luke 8:24). I’m sure that these words (and many others!) were said as they shouted in fear for their lives. This is the reality of their true feelings. We live in a fallen world. There are bad and good things that happen to Christians and non-Christians. The sun shines and the rains falls on both. See Matthew 5:45. Storms will come, so be prepared as best you can.

2. Jesus will be with you in the storm

It you are going to be in a storm then you want Jesus in your boat! Jesus was in the boat. However, the disciples were upset that Jesus was asleep in the boat. It seems an unlikely time to be able to sleep but Jesus was also human and was tired. He was no doubt tired from the long hours of preaching and we know that he would stay up all night and pray while the disciples slept. This is the only recorded time that he slept and there is a storm in progress! He had to sleep sometime and yet they expected him to still be attentive to their needs.

3. Jesus will calm the storm

Jesus calms the storm and then he has to calm the disciples. He rebukes them for their fear. They had seen what miracles he could do and yet they were still lacking in faith. Faith and fear are incompatible. One is the enemy of the other. God’s timing is perfect and doesn’t work to our timescale. God is never in a hurry. The disciples may have got wet but they didn’t drown. They may have been scared but they didn’t die. Faith is not in a hurry. It doesn’t have to compete with fear. It knows that God is always in control. See Romans 5:6 and 1 Peter 3:12.

4. It is only in the storm that we get to know Jesus

They had thought they afraid of the perfect storm. When now they were terrified of the perfect Jesus. When they go into the storm they believed Jesus was sent from God to be a great teacher and spiritual leader. When they come out of the storm they now realise He is the Lord of the universe. It is no wonder that their knees give way and they tremble all over!

It was terrible to be blind, but the blind man could not see who Jesus was until he was healed. The deaf man could not hear Jesus until his ears were opened. The affliction of the lame man brought Jesus to his side and he was healed so he could follow him. Sin had ruined Mary until Jesus delivered her and she was able to understand who he was. Doubting Thomas was devastated by the events that led to the death of Jesus. Everything seemed futile and depressing after that. But Thomas experienced Jesus in a whole new way when he saw him after the resurrection and placed his finger in Jesus’ hands and side. He fell down crying, “My Lord and my God!”

It is in those crisis moments that we really understand who Jesus is. If you place your complete faith and trust in Jesus, you will have a greater understanding of him, a deeper relationship with him, and a new love for him when the storm is over. You will see his power over darkness and the depth of his love for you. Jesus is telling us to live by faith, not by fear.

Categories: Mark