Experiencing God's Presence #221

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

One of Jesus’ favorite classrooms was the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. Once He was asleep in the back of the boat when a storm raged and His friends panicked, but He calmly woke up and told the storm to be quiet—and it obeyed. On another occasion, He sent the disciples across the lake ahead of Him, and when they were being tossed around in a dangerous storm, He came to them walking on the water. In both cases, His Presence changed the nature of the crisis. And in both cases, He taught foundational lessons about fear and faith.

This is not an unusual dynamic. Jesus still allows storms in our lives, He continues to teach lessons about fear and faith, and His Presence still changes the nature of the crisis. He comes to us in the midst of a storm—often after He has allowed us to reach a point of panic—and calms us, the storm, or both. He reminds us that faith is the key to overcoming, that fear undermines faith, and that keeping our focus on Him destroys fear and builds faith. He teaches and strengthens us best not when the weather is calm but when the waves are about to overwhelm us.

If you’re going through a crisis, remember that this is normal for the Kingdom of God. Nothing is unusual about His children experiencing storms. What would be unusual is if He never showed up in them or let them go on longer than necessary. In your crisis, trust that He is aware, He has already timed His entrance, and He will calm it at the perfect time. Meanwhile, trust Him. The storm is designed to teach you how.

Jesus, I hate the storms, but I’m so grateful that You meet me in them. Please don’t delay. Strengthen my faith and calm my fears.

From the book