Words for the Storm
Instructions for Enduring Life’s Devastating Storms
Psalm 19:1-3; Matthew 14:24-33
Massive Response Follows Hurricane Helene’s Gut Punch
“Our hearts break for all those who have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. People have lost their homes, roads are washed out, millions are without power, and some have even lost loved ones—so many of our neighbors are hurting. We're thankful that we can respond and help in Jesus' Name. Please pray for these families and for our teams that are working in some of the hardest-hit areas across the Southeast.”
Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse
Creation Speaks
Nature speaks loudly and decisively—sometimes with a “gut punch.” What does creation tell us? The Bible says nature reveals God, uttering declarations without words or voice.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3)
Sometimes we rejoice in these proclamations—breathtaking sunsets, fragrant flowers, the endless ocean horizon, green-scented forests, and all the expressions of life that delight our souls. Yet in other times, we tremble under displays of thundering mightiness, transcendence, immensity, and dominance trumpeted across the landscape.
Immense storms emerge from the sea in one of nature’s wildest expressions. They toss ships, tear down trees, and flood land. They rage and destroy, unbridled in course and massive in strength. Within the storm, we observe nature’s message of sovereignty and omnipotence. Yet as the distraught cry out, what does God say within the terrors of the devastation and aftermath?
Instructions for the Storm
In one Bible instance, God shared the experience of a turbulent storm along with his devoted followers. As the Son of Man, he felt the surging waves and stinging rain. He heard the crack of lightening in the thundering sky. Even so, Jesus sent his loved ones directly into the storm’s path—into fear and peril. And while creation shouted in images of authority and power, Jesus had words for his beloved caught in the crosshairs of danger.
“Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. "It's a ghost! " they said, and they cried out in fear. Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:24-27) (Emphasis added.)
With three simple sentences, Jesus meets their immediate needs within the chaos. In triage order, he speaks to their emergency.
A Command: “Have courage.” Jesus instructs them to brave. Panic hinders help from the rescuer. Jesus shouts out to focus their energy and thoughts on him, not their circumstances.
An Affirmation: “It is I.” As when a parent rushes to a soothe a frightened child, Jesus reassures them with the familiar sound of his voice. He also gives them a mighty reason for courage: I AM is with them.
A Reorientation: “Do not be afraid.” Jesus calls them to turn away from fear to trust, to turn away from the storm to his face. Look at me. Keep your eyes on me. They look to the one they know, the one they love, and the one they watch perform miracles.
Faith Building in the Storm
Something else waits for them in their trial, an unexpected opportunity which Peter grasps. To test his faith, Peter leans in to prove the object of his conviction: his Master’s presence.
"Lord, if it's you," Peter answered him, "command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29)
Peter embraces his Master’s challenge to boldness and enters the miracle-working realm of overcoming with Jesus. He steps out on top of the raging water, as if on dry ground. But even then, the storm does not still—the winds buffet and the waves batter. Yet, what Peter needs waits for him in the arms of Jesus.
The storm fights hard to regain Peter’s attention and wash away Jesus’ words:
“But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me! "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt? When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:30-33)
Overwhelmed by fear, Peter loses his faith footing before learning the lesson of complete victory. But even so, Jesus receives the faith he offers and catches him in the gap.
Overcoming the Storm
Jesus reached out his physical arms to Peter in that infamous storm. Today, Jesus’ arms reach out through the aid given from neighbor to neighbor. His hand of rescue extends from first-responder to the desperate. His words of comfort pass on from those who weep alongside the broken-hearted. Present with us in the storm and the aftermath, he understands the overwhelmed and devastated. And together with the humanity he loves, he longs for the appointed time when all storms cease, and brokenness is mended. Until then, Jesus calls us to himself to find refuge in pain and build faith that will overcome. Look at Me. Keep your eyes on Me.
What do you need from Jesus to aid you in overcoming your storm?
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