Living near the sea gives wonderful opportunities to watch storms begin and end. Having that wide open horizon allows a full view of wind and waves; since storms often track up the English Channel from the Atlantic, the signs from the west build up until they cover the sky in gloom. It is awe-inspiring and sometimes frightening as storms build- and a calm descends on the watcher when the elements relent their grip. Then peace replaces chaos. Today’s photo is a perfect example of that peace.
This photograph was taken shortly before I needed major abdominal surgery to remove cancer. Despite some complications in surgery, and a longer than expected hospital stay, that was a storm that passed. Looking back, I’m surprised how faith held me during that process: the brilliant NHS staff, surgeon, nurses & all the others were outstanding in their care. Through it all, God kept me in peace: I suspect others put in the worry and praying that helped with that!
Jesus worked many miracles. Calming the storm on Galilee is one of the best-known; it reveals the power of Jesus over the forces of Nature AND shows that the timing of the death of Jesus would only occur “at the right time” according to the purpose of the Lord Almighty.
Matthew 8:23-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 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. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Storms are terrifying when the unleashed power dwarfs our senses. Jesus calls his friends people of “little faith” – which seems a tad harsh! But it’s understandable. Of course, their faith grew through this experience and the revelation of the nature of the Christ. He is a man, but not just a man! This is God Incarnate, the Holy indwelling/inhabiting the frail dust of Creation, and faith is sparked by such an encounter.
You might say “Good for the disciples, but so what? Does this connect with our lives?”
Calming the storm demonstrates Jesus’ divinity, since as Psalm 89 says God alone stills the sea. There is no promise he will calm every “storm” of life, but it highlights his authority- and therefore invites our trust. It is still a question of faith- but faith that is now based on revelation. God’s purposes are always completed at the “right time.” That is true in our lives too. Our storms are not beyond the compassion and authority of the Lord. He will guard us as His own possession, His treasure. However the storm unfolds, we can- and must- trust in His Love.
Why are we afraid? As has been wisely said, “This too shall pass.” But the Word of the Lord and the Kingdom of God shall NEVER pass away.
Look for the calm- and embrace the hope of peace.
