Matthew 8:23-26
“And when he (Christ) was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
I read these verses just over a year ago and had something simple, yet eye-opening revealed to me.
Sometimes our life feels like the stormy sea.
It’s hard to make out where we are going, and an uncertainty settles within us. One may even wonder, can I continue to move forward without unavoidable destruction?
It may look as if there are multiple things to discourage our souls and bring us to great weariness. Those things could deal with finances, schooling, work, family relationships, friend relationships, romantic relationships, even religion.
Our sails beat by the wind, water crashing against the sides threatening to drown the boat, rain whipping at faces, all leave pain and a loss of hope. However, there is never need to worry.
The Lord is there.
Like the apostles, when in the silence of Christ, we may rush to ask for Him to come back and assist. I imagine the apostles staggered for help so quickly because of lack of confidence in their abilities to make it through the storm. I assume this because I have felt just as unconfident in my own abilities. Many times, I say, “I trust the Lord, but I do not trust myself.”
Can you blame me? I mean, I’m pretty imperfect. Who’s to say I will not make another mistake? Who’s to say I will not perish into the sea?
I have now learned the importance of guiding our own ship at times, especially during stormy weather. It is another step in growth: we must learn how to get through the storm without his constant provision. Then we may help others do the same.
Though frightening, we will not perish.
Jesus Christ is never gone. Nor is our Heavenly Father. For the Father and the Lord and the Holy Ghost are always present with us.
When needed, they will step in to help. We will never be left to wander too far down the wrong path.
However, I once heard it said, “the teacher is always quiet during a test.”
Take faith. Do not lose your hope, but lose your fear. For the Lord, He is here. Trust yourself in the stormy sea. If the Lord has been quiet, it’s probably because He trusts you too. And when you need to readjust your sails, He will speak up and help you.
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