BIGGER THAN THE STORM

Emma Davidson, Westhills Children's & Youth Pastor

Over this past week, the Holy Spirit has been putting a story from Matthew 14 on my heart. In this particular passage, found in verses 22-33, we see Peter as he joins Jesus walking on the water. As the waves and winds became more intense, Peter's fear overcame him and he began to sink. Jesus graciously pulls Peter up from the waves, and asks the question, “You have so little faith… Why do you doubt me?” (verse 31).

When I was reminded of this passage, my initial thought was how this is a great reminder of how God, in his infinite grace, is there to save us when the wind and waves are too chaotic. And this remains true. Our Father is loving and caring and wants to protect us. When the winds and waves of our lives seem so powerful, He is our rescuer. However, this is not the only thing we should take away from the passage.

Once Jesus lifts Peter from the waves, Jesus asks why Peter did not have faith in Him. Why did he get scared of the waves? Didn’t he realize Jesus is bigger than the storm? Why didn’t Peter put his faith in Jesus?

The Bible tells us over and over, God is faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is faithful to His people. In the middle of the storm, Peter focused more on the uncertainty of his situation than the truth of Jesus’ faithfulness. Forgetting this truth caused him to sink and become overcome by the storm and the situation around him.

This is something I would like to ask you: Are you putting your faith in Jesus in the midst of the storm? Are you trusting Jesus in the chaos and unpredictability of your everyday life? Even when the metaphorical storm seems too big to overcome, Jesus is bigger than our storm and is worthy of our trust.

You can trust Jesus when that relationship is in a rocky situation; He is bigger than that storm. You can trust Jesus when your job is overwhelming and stressful; He is bigger than that storm.

You can trust Jesus when you are in a tough financial situation; He is bigger than that storm. You can trust Jesus when health problems arise; He is bigger than that storm.

Whatever challenge you might be facing; He is bigger than that storm.

Jesus tells us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). In your storms, you can have peace as you put your faith in Jesus. Although our troubles can seem big, our God is all powerful and is worth trusting in all situations.