Never before have I ever broken down the following verses in this way and so I wanted to share the insight I had when I read it this week.
Matthew 8:24-26 says; Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
When I read about the disciples on a boat with a storm crashing around them, I can’t help but imagine they had forgotten the most important thing. I imagine Peter and the rest of the team completely freaking out on the boat
At first glance, the disciples’ boat trip is a strange story. If Jesus, the son of God, is on your boat, everything should be easy, right? God is on your side and literally by your side when you’re a disciple. But just because Jesus is with you doesn’t mean you’re free from trials. Storms still happen when you know and love God. But how does God want us to respond to these storms?
Fear happens when we leave our minds empty. This is where the devil, evil thoughts, panic, and confusion take over. The enemy has a free playground upon which to roam and do as he pleases. Jesus was right there with the disciples, and still they had little faith that they would survive the storm.
Our human response when everything hits the fan is typical to forget who we have on our boat with us.
In looking back on my life, I know that Jesus is by my side. The same Jesus who’d set me free as a teenager, the same God who’d rescued and comforted me time and time again, the same Jesus who’d surrounded me with support and community when I didn’t get the grades I needed to get into the University I wanted to. I knew he was there, deep down, and yet, and in that moment, my mind was empty.
Like the disciples, I was blanking and failing to realise who I had with me. I let the terror of not being able to go to the university of my dreams cause me to forget the God who can stop the storm.
So what are we to do in life’s seemingly impossible situations?
Remember!
This is the journey I’ve been on. It’s one that involves practicing remembrance. I need to remember my story, what Jesus has done for me. I need to remember the Bible’s story, what Jesus has done for the world.
All throughout the bible, God asks his people to remember. Even the children of Israel, who were taken out of Egypt and slavery, panicked in the wilderness. God had used miracle after miracle to free them from the hands of an evil leader, and yet, once they were out and free, they saw no food around them and were alarmed.
“If only we would’ve died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt!” they said. At least in Egypt there was food!” (Exodus 16)
And the panic didn’t end there. First they worried that they’d be in slavery forever. God freed them. Then they worried that they’d starve to death. God fed them. Over and over again, they grumbled and freaked out, continually forgetting all that God had done for them. Because of this forgetfulness, the Israelites thought their situation was the absolute worst. During this time, God called his people to remember.
If we believe life is all about avoiding all trouble, living with no pain, or taking an easy “walk in the park”, we’re missing what God has for us. He never promised us a safe journey, only a safe arrival.
God has an amazing journey in store for us. But to know where we’re going next, we cant forget where we’ve been. The truth is that nothing is too difficult for God.
Would love to hear from you guys in the comments section below, about any times where you guys can relate to this teaching.
May the Lord God bless and keep you all.
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*Image not mine
This was so beautifully written. Felt the emotion through your words.
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Thank you so much for the commentary. Glad You enjoyed it 🙂
You spoke a beautiful truth. It feels like I was meant to hear your message.
Thank you 🙂