Jesus in the Storm

By Marty Norman

Texas is experiencing three days of rain and storms, much needed moisture to feed the dry earth. The reverse of this drought relief is that the cold and blustery winds have pushed down the daffodils that are just starting to bloom and have probably frozen the peach blossoms that are budding.  That means no peach crop this year.

This conflict of needed rain for growth versus interruption of a process already in progress is a good reminder that no matter what the eye sees God is in all things.  Even in the storm he is there growing, deepening, making things bloom, preparing for the harvest.  For without needed moisture, the long term effects of the past nine month drought might be felt for years to come.

I try to keep this in mind when I look around the world in the first decade of the 21st century. The economy is floundering.  The war on terror is escalating.  Natural disasters, floods, tsunami’s, tornadoes, and hurricanes all are on the rise.  

Yet storms are a natural part of life. They are a natural part of nature, but when we are in the middle of one, it’s not much fun. Just as the plants, we can’t see the result down the line.  We only see what is before us in that moment.

The question becomes, how do we keep our faith strong when we the winds blow and batter with hurricane force?  How to stay strong when everything around seems to be falling apart.

The answer: we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and get out of the boat if necessary.
Matthew 14 teaches about the disciples and their response to the storm. When the disciples were buffeted by wind and waves, alone in the boat they were terrified. When Jesus went to them walking on water they thought he was a ghost.  

Isn’t that how we are – terrified in the midst of a storm. Not recognizing Jesus when he comes to us in its midst. Yet Jesus does just the opposite of what we expect. Encouraging Peter to step out of the boat, he calls him to himself, telling him to come, walk on the water.

Sometimes our own experiences are like this.  In the midst of a storm, Jesus calls us to keep our eyes focused on him, but we are too terrified to get out of the boat.
 
I had an up close and personal storm experience on my mission trip to Malawi, Central Africa. Fifty-two people, packed in a twenty-five foot sailboat, fought eight foot waves on Lake Malawi with hope, prayer, and a small bailing bucket as our only support.

Looking up at the waves, I pretty much expected to see Jesus walking to us on the water. It was that kind of day.  As I looked at the waves I wondered to myself, “If he asked me would I get out of the boat like Peter? Surely the waves weren’t this high in the story of Matthew?.”

Isn’t that how we are in a crisis?  With our limited vision, we are often afraid to step out of the boat when we can’t see past the next wave.  But Jesus has oversight. He can see behind and before.  He knows how and where he will use this experience to further his kingdom and spread the good news.

Today the economic storms rage.  As parents and grandparents there is no better time to walk out our faith but by stepping out of the boat and seeking Jesus’ oversight. I can’t think of a better way to witness to our children and grandchildren than to walk the talk.  They will learn far more by our actions and attitudes than they will from all the lectures in the world.  

Today many of us are in the middle of a storm.  I pray that God will give us eyes to see his presence in its midst.  That he will give us courage to walk with him through the waves, for only he can see the light on the other side.  

Those in financial or other types of storms can be comforted by his presence.  With eyes focused on him, may we see his plan, stepping out of the boat to be a part of that to which he is calling us. The peach crop may be ruined but the growth that is generated by the living water, might produce a harvest we can not imagine or foresee.

Step out of the boat …take his hand ….walk through the storm …it is God’s way, the only way, to get through the wind and waves.

“Take courage!  It is I.  Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 (NIV)

Marty Norman is a wife, mother, and grandmother, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas.  She is the author of “Generation G – Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray.” Check out her website and blogs:  www.martynorman.com, http://martynorman.blogspot.com, http://savvygrandmothers.blogspot.com.