But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. Luke 8:23-25 (KJV)
How many times have you heard a message or read a devotional on this topic? Until we, individually, go through a time of testing of our faith, we read or listen with ears of indifference. I speak from experience, I’m sad to say. For example, we know of someone who is going through a testing and we claim this verse for them! But because we have not been through such a severe testing, we really do not claim the verse for us! I hope that makes sense to you, reader.
Good examples of today’s text in modern-day terms are the recent tumultuous storms which hit the South and the Midwest. If you are one of those who did experience these storms, you will be able to place yourself right smack in the middle of today’s text! In fact, what if Christ had been right there in the flesh while you were fretting. I’m sure it felt as though He was asleep while you were going through the storms! What if Christ turned around and made the floods disappear or the tornadoes vanish in your presence?Luke 8:25 says that the Lord commanded the winds and water! Now, don’t these verses mean a whole lot more to you since you personally experienced nature’s fury? Sure it does – you can picture it in your mind’s eye quite vividly!I’ve been through a flood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1983 – it was a very scary event in my life. I was a new believer in the Lord Jesus at the time. He used this tragedy to draw me closer to Him – I learned to trust in His care. What about those who have notbeen through a natural phenomenon such as this?
With this in mind, where are you today, dear friend? Are you being tested? Are there storms in your life where the winds are fiercely blowing and the water’s waves are beating against you? Are you crying out to God, “Lord, save me!”? Does everything in life seem to be falling apart at the seams? Is your life’s “boat” filling with water and it seems as though you’re sinking? Dear one, you are not alone! This statement may not bring you comfort but let this statement bring you comfort: This same Jesus who calmed the storm in the Book of Luke WILL calm your storm!
In today’s text, we see that the sailors were in “jeopardy” and yet Christ was asleep on the ship. (Luke 8:23) We can interpret this in two ways. (1) Christ is the Creator and, therefore, knew that His creation would not, in fact could not, overtake the Creator. (Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11) (2) Christ wanted to give His disciples an opportunity to prove their faith in Him: He asked them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Obviously, these same disciples had been walking with Him and had witnessed the miracles Christ had performed. They had a foundation because they were eye witnesses to incredible events. I think our faith is proven when we are tested, don’t you? We can witness real life blessings from the Lord but through trials and afflictions, we are (or should be) more tender to God’s word and we glean from its wisdom. (Psalm 119:71) Either way you look at these verses, both are a blessing!
This same Lord and Saviour is still there, like a true friend! (Exodus 33:11, 2 Chronicles 20:7,Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 22:11, Song of Solomon 5:16, James 2:23) This same Jesus, who stilled the winds and waters, can still your storms. This same Jesus, is your Friend and loves you! I came across a great quote (author unknown), “Jesus may not calm the storm but he will calm the sailors in the midst of the storm.” How very true! (Psalm 55:16-23, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12)
Yes, dear one, you may be going through the worst storm of your life but the same Shepherd who calmed the storm for his disciple is there for your storm as well. (1 Peter 5:7) Whether He removes the circumstances or calms your troubled spirit during the trial, you can trust Him through it all. I love the hymn below – the words are so powerful and express the very heart of this author! I pray you are blessed and that your storm be stilled or your spirit calmed as you go through whatever trial you are experiencing!
Till the Storm Passes By
Words and Music by Mosie Lister
copyright 1958
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
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