The Lord of the Storm

In the in – between space of recollecting yesterday’s glories and envisioning tomorrow’s dreams, there are storms. In our memories of the past, we might recall friends gathering, celebrating the wonderful abundance of blessings. Meanwhile, in our future dreams, there are uncertainties: perhaps it’s the job we’ve always yearned for, the child we’ve long hoped for, or the approaching phase of an empty nest or retirement. But between these past miracles and future aspirations lies the unpredictable expanse of life, often marked by inevitable storms.

God’s Word encourages us to recognize these storms. In fact, he is the Lord who reigns over them. In Mark 6:45 – 56, we read:
“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”

The “storms of life” represent those challenging and often uncertain periods that come to all of us at various times. These are the seasons of trial and even moments of doubt that fall between the blessings of the past and the hopes of the future.

Four Truths

This passage reveals four truths about the Lord of the storm that can help us trust him during our own difficult times.
Look at the opening verse: “Immediately he made his disciples get in the boat.” Notice that Jesus “made” his disciples board the boat. It’s a clear – cut command: “Get in!” But was this what the disciples expected?

1. The Lord of the storm sends us into the storm to reach the other side (verse 45)

The people, including the disciples, were at risk of trivializing Jesus, turning him into a deity who would simply fulfill their desires, rather than recognizing him as the Savior they truly needed. But this Messiah was leading them to a new level of understanding. And that meant, “Get in the boat. You’re going out to sea – alone.”
Just when things seem to be going smoothly, that’s when our Lord may send us on a new journey! Following Jesus often means obediently navigating the challenges of life’s “seas.”
The second truth we can draw from this text is that Jesus, the Lord of the storm, does more than just send his followers into storms.

2. The Lord of the storm is above the storm and watches over us as he prays (verses 46 – 48)

There is great comfort and assurance in these verses. Four aspects highlight Jesus’ power above the storm:

• Submission: When Jesus prays, it shows his complete trust in the Father’s will. His prayer is a sign of his unwavering commitment to the path that leads to Calvary.
• Intercession: While the disciples were out at sea, Jesus was praying. This shows that our Savior is like a High Priest, constantly interceding for us during the storms of life.
• Care: Jesus’ watchful eye over the disciples in the storm demonstrates his continuous care for us. He is the Savior who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
• Mystery: Jesus’ timing in coming to the disciples is mysterious. He noticed them in the late evening but didn’t act until the fourth watch (3 a.m.). Why did he let them struggle against the wind for so long? The reasons remain a mystery, but we know that he comes to us in his own time, according to his divine plan, and he is always praying for us.
  Another truth we can see is:

3. The Lord of the storm walks on the storm, passing by us, coming to us, and ensuring our safe passage through it (verses 48 – 50)

The end of verse 48 says, “He meant to pass them by.” This account was relayed by Peter and written by Mark. For Peter, Jesus was there, the very image of God passing by, showing his love and concern. But the disciples didn’t understand this sight. They were scared and thought he was a ghost. But Jesus said to them, “It is I,” or “I am he.”
Isn’t this the same God who passed by Moses and hid him in the cleft of the rock? He has identified himself as “I AM.”
If you’re going through a storm, take heart: he is near. He is with you and won’t leave you alone.
This leads us to the fourth truth:

4. The Lord of the storm is the Lord of salvation and is in the boat with us – calming the storm, bringing peace, and guiding us to the other side (verse 51)

We know we need Jesus in our lives during storms. But do we truly understand who he is? Do we realize that Jesus is the Savior of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of Paul? Do we recognize that we’re dealing with the living God?
Let our doubts turn into astonishment, and if God wills, let that astonishment grow into faith – filled awe. We all face different kinds of storms, but he is always there. We’re on our way to the place, the “good land,” that he has in store for us.
Will you stop trying to control your life’s “boat” on your own and let the Master take charge? True peace will only come when you do.
From this passage, we see that Jesus didn’t rescue the disciples from the sea but calmed the storm instead. Similarly, he may not remove you from your difficult situation immediately, but he comes to you, loving you, encouraging you, and accompanying you through the journey.

When the wind and waves of life
Drove my soul to find relief,
I was guided by the storm
To find Jesus underneath.
When the storms of life betray
All the promises You’ve made,
I will cling to Calvary’s place;
I will trust Your sovereign grace.
Though Your presence with me goes,
I seem to still be tossed and turned
By an unseen enemy
And I know I need to learn.
When the storms of life betray
All the promises You’ve made,
I will cling to Calvary’s place;
I will trust Your sovereign grace.
And when life is finally o’er
And I stand before You, Lord,
I’ll see the storms that stirred despair
Were the winds that blew me there.
When the storms of life betray
All the promises You’ve made,
Let me cling to Calvary’s place;
Let me trust Your Sovereign Grace.