Is He Sleeping Through my Storm?

"God is still at work when the silence seems deafening and the darkness seems impenetrable” - Alistair Begg

Here’s the story. The disciples all got on a boat with Jesus. It was a normal day like any other. He had been teaching crowds and performing miracles. But today Jesus said they should get on a boat and go to the other side. Makes sense. There’s a lot of people on the other side. They need to hear the word too. Seems like a very productive day. Doing big things. Going places. Working side by side with the Lord. Nothing like being in sync with God as you work. He’s leading and you’re following. Best teamwork ever! Now let’s take it on to a new level. 

They all climb in the boat. Soon after, Jesus falls asleep. Shouldn’t be a problem. They know how to get there. It’ll be fine. Then comes the wind. Then the rain. Before they know it, a storm has begun. Now we have a problem. The boat is rocking. It’s feeling crazy. Where’s Jesus? It’s soaking wet. Mother Nature has gone mad! Where is Jesus? They are being thrown around. It’s putting fear in their hearts. They can’t keep it together anymore. Where. Is. Jesus?!? “Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬) He is still asleep!

How can he possibly be asleep when they are going through a storm? It’s scary and uncomfortable and messy. The disciples can’t even keep calm while Jesus is asleep. Ever felt like life was just crazy and the hits wouldn’t stop coming? Think of the storm in your life. Does it feel like Jesus is sleeping through it? Like he’s not even aware you are in trouble. Why would he allow you to be here in this horrible moment. Reading this passage in Matthew, I understood two things.

If you are still working on your trust, God will still have your back.

“The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”“ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬. The disciples were completely terrified. Even after seeing Jesus perform miracle after miracle. The Messiah was on their boat and they were scared they were going to drown. However, we can relate. Sometimes the storms in our lives have gotten to our very core that there’s so much rebuilding that needs to happen. Trauma after trauma might have weakened your faith. It’s been years of hoping and praying. We have yearned and lost every single time. Because of this, there will be moments when we react with fear that good is not coming for us. Maybe instead we worry that God is mad at us for past sins and will never save us because we screwed up. So, at the first sign of trouble, we lose faith. But guess what. After the disciples acted in fear and woke him up he still saved them. They weren’t left to deal with the storm as punishment. He loves you too much for that. So just know, He will save you! He will guide you through!

Trust that God has it all under control. 

God has got us. Life’s storms come and go, but Jesus will be right there on that boat with us. He wants us to have faith and be brave. “He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬) He wants us to trust that even if he is asleep, and is nowhere to be found, he has it under control. He is still working in the silence for your benefit. All things work for the good of those who love him.

Finally, God is that powerful!

”The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”“ (Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬). No matter how huge your problem seems, he’s bigger. No matter how impossible it looks, it means nothing to him. Faith or no faith, God can and will save you. But how about we join the party and work on our faith some more. Trust in the one who loves you the most!