Faith in the Middle of the Storm
By Dean Collins
How often have you told someone, “I’m swamped”? When we say it or hear someone say it, we know what they mean. The dictionary definition of “swamped” is to be overwhelmed with water and sink. But it has come to mean that feeling of being overwhelmed by nearly anything, to the point that you aren’t sure you will make it.
Sometimes being swamped is used to indicate that one is extremely busy. Over the years when asked how I am doing I replied, “Overwhelmed with opportunity.” That was another way to say overwhelmed or swamped!
As you read the last two encounters Jesus had with individuals or groups in Matthew 8, we quickly learn of a situation where the disciples were swamped by the waves.
You probably know the story. Jesus had just given a hard lesson on what it means to follow him. He must have been near the seashore as Matthew tells us, “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.” I don’t want to make too much of this one line, but I think it is worth slowing down and considering what it meant for the disciples to follow him into the boat.
Jesus had just finished saying these words:
“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
One of the disciples then asked Jesus: “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
And Jesus was quick with his response: “Follow me and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
They went ahead and followed Jesus into the boat. Maybe they had questions, yet they followed. But before too long, a huge storm came up and the boat was being swamped by the waves. While the disciples were bailing water and holding on for dear life, Jesus was asleep.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we must be prepared that it will mean moments, and days, and seasons where we too are swamped. The enemy will throw darts. Family members may question our wisdom and decision to stay the course with Jesus. Friends may wonder why we hang on to Jesus during this difficult season. We might find ourselves crying out with the disciples: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”
And with the water rising up to our noses and ears, we will hear Jesus say, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” And at just the right moment, Jesus will rebuke the winds and the storms and we will experience his clear and unmistakable calm.
You can read the rest of the chapter below. There was calm until the next moment of chaos, when two demon-possessed men met Jesus and the disciples on the other side. Following Jesus will mean stormy moments and calm moments. But he will be with us through all of them.
Father, like the disciples, we choose to follow you in the calm and in the storm. Increase our awareness by your Holy Spirit so that we will not give into fear but lean into our faith that you are both Savior and Lord and that you will get us to the other side of these problems, and this day, and even until the day we see you in glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 8:23-34 ESV
Photo by Pexels
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