The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Luke 8:24
We are three weeks out from my son’s wedding, my feet are anything but healed, and I am drowning in other commitments. So, yes, I was going down.
I read this verse about 2 weeks ago and it struck me that it does not always have to be a real physical storm to be applicable. Life circumstances can fit it rather nicely. And it took me until last week to realize it. I identified so clearly with the disciples in their panic. And these boys were avid fishermen in a boat on THEIR lake. On their turf so to speak. Storms were a common occurrence to them. An everyday event, especially on the Sea of Galilee. Storms were and are known to materialize rather quickly and forcefully.
DROWNING
Up to this point in the disciples lives, they had basically been on the water without Jesus and they no doubt had encountered many storms. And now was when they chose to panic? Had they not thought they were going to drown before? What is the difference?
I am not sure, as I can only speak for myself and Scripture does not give us any clues. However, something popped into my head as I was typing – for me, in my circumstance, I have a Saviour that can rescue me, thereby revealing that I do indeed need a Saviour especially when I am drowning in stuff.
I do not have to pull myself up by my own boot straps. For one reason, my boots don’t have straps, and the other, I am incapable of calming the storm. In my own strength I cannot control the winds assailing me nor the rains pelting me. But Jesus can.
When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Luke 8:24b
Jesus did not address the boys at this point, He addressed the storm. Later He asked them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Jesus calmed down the elements and then addressed their faith. By asking ‘where’ we can surmise that the boys had faith, it just was just at the bottom of the storm-tossed boat at the moment. So, it wasn’t lack of faith, rather, it was MIA.
FAITH VS. UNBELIEF
Many people have accused others of not having enough faith in their suffering. I have had this said to me on occasion. Not pretty. Stings, actually. Jesus does not condemn the fisherman for not having enough faith, rather He asks where is the faith that they already possess. I believe this is the better question. We all stumble in many ways, and at many times, as James points out. And there are times when we do lack faith, or we have put our faith in a back pocket. To have a continuous lack of faith is unbelief. But to have a moment, is a moment and not a permanent failure in the faith department.
Jesus gave them assurance that all was well, by calming the storm Himself. They could do nothing about the storm, but they could do something. Which they did – they called out to Jesus. That was the BEST thing to do. The only real answer.
When I called out to Jesus to help me in my storm, I was reading in Matthew 6:25-34. I was reminded not to worry but to first seek God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to me as well (Matthew 6:33). My storm instantly calmed. The raging in my own heart and head no longer had a hold on me. I was no longer drowning nor huddled in fear in my own boat.
By keeping my eyes on my Saviour, Jesus, my storm became calm waters. Instead of waves crashing over me it was His peace. He’s in control and He is able, capable and willing. And He did it for me last week.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You so much for calming my storms. Thank You for demonstrating Your power in my life. Thank You that You see, You hear, You know what is going on in my life. I know You are waiting for me to ask. In my seeking God and His righteousness, You will take care of all things. I am very thankful. AMEN
