Devotionals

---

WHEN STORMS COME
Matthew 14:22-32
In the midst of life’s storms when we feel helpless and things seems out of control, how should we respond? No matter how many mountaintop experiences we have, they are only temporary. Storms will come but storms don’t last.

Each of us have our share of struggles and hardships. Those who walked with Christ encountered storms in their lives. Matthew writes about the storm at sea and the storm in the heart of the disciples. The men acted in obedience to Jesus and got in the boat to cross to the other side as Jesus stayed behind. When Jesus had sent the multitude away He went to the mountain to pray.

When the boat was in the midst of the sea the windstorm caused the sea to become rough and the disciples became very fearful. Even though the disciples were experienced fishermen they knew the raging storm was more than they could handle. When the contrary winds blow in our lives and we lose control, we too feel helpless. Oftentimes we respond as those men did, we cry out in fear.

Matthew 14:25, tells us that Jesus joined the men in the storm. He showed up to calm the fears of His followers. Though they could not see Him Jesus never lost sight of them. Christ may seem far away from us at times when we are facing difficulties, but in reality He is always near. Jesus knew their fears, He saw their plight and He came to them. Likewise, He is with us in all of our experiences.

The disciples did not expect Jesus, therefore, they did not recognize Him. Their focus was on their circumstances. The appearance of Christ added to their fear. Verse 24, says, “They thought He was a ghost. Oftentimes when we are in a storm we are consumed with the problem rather than the solution. Christ understood! He spoke words of comfort to the men. Verse 25, “Be not afraid, it is I!”

Whatever situation we face in our lives, we can listen for those words. In the dark when our vision is obscured and we can’t see our way, we need not fear. If we let our faith rise up we can hear Jesus’ voice saying, “I’m here, don’t be afraid.

Life’s storms sap our strength, they cause us to be tossed about helplessly. The disciples were not strangers to the sea, they were trained fishermen. They had witnessed Christ perform many miracles, but they couldn’t see beyond their immediate situation. The men were not equipped to handle the storm at sea. Jesus knew their weaknesses, likewise, He knows ours. Trials are inevitable for all of us, how we respond makes all the difference. Jesus can be trusted to always show up when He is needed. When He comes He will still the waves of the sea and calm the fear in our hearts.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE