How do we deal with and get through a storm?

I’m not sure that we are supposed to just “get through” a storm. I have come to realize, mostly the hard way, that storms are usually God ordained moments He desires to reveal His deity and power 

in my life.

I have been through some storms where it feels like the boat I am in would capsize. And in the end I have clung to and reached out to my saviour with more fervour and passion than in the serene moments of my life.

I was reading through Mark. And I love how Mark makes it so personal when he describes Jesus and His activities.

This incident in Mark 4 we see the disciples and Jesus in a boat going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Apparently, the Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden intense storms occurring and this time it was no exception. The disciples were trying to control the boat and the problems that were being caused by the storm, and then realized that they NEEDED Jesus. They didn’t even ask Him for help. They actually accused Him of not caring about them.

I have so often been in this place. When I feel like God has led me to cross a “sea” and then a storm comes up and I feel He’s “sleeping”. I feel like God left me stranded. Or He has forgotten about me. I have often called out to God in my disappointment or frustration and I have cried out to Him in those moments from the depth of myself like I never did before.

Jesus’ response to the Disciples in this scenario is amazing. He does not panic. He does not even get angry. He commands the stillness and peace to come. And He simply asks them why would they fear? And where is their faith?

He questions them, I believe, because HE IS THERE. They know Him. They have SEEN who He is. Why would they now be afraid of a storm?

How often I have gotten so afraid of the circumstances I find myself in. How often I have doubted who GOD IS in the midst of difficulties.

His other response is SO reassuring for us as believers. He says, “do you still have no faith?” I feel like Jesus was conveying the reality of the POWER of the faith He gives us. He has told his disciples so often if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can move a mountain. And now they are faced with a storm that SEEMS to be overwhelming and they lose their faith, or forget it when they need it most.

We all face storms. I have faced some I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. And I know my storms do not even begin to compare with some people’s storms they have faced and survived! But I do know that when a storm is approaching I want my response to be unwaiveringly pointed toward my saviour. TRUSTING and KNOWING that HE has the power to calm any storm and get me through ANY difficulty! Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.

God allows storms in our lives SO THAT we SEE and experience HIS power in our lives. We have the responsibility to SEEK Him when the storms come.