Storms Ahead

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

Matthew 14:22 ESV

Have you heard the story of Nancy Davis?

She was a missionary following Jesus to Mexico with her husband. They ministered to poorest of the poor in Mexico for 40 years.

Unfortunately, on a drive back to the USA they were ambushed at a roadblock and she was shot in the head as her husband tried to drive them to safety.

She died a half hour later.

Why would somebody following Jesus go through such a tragedy? Did God really know this was going to happen? Would she and her husband have even started working in Mexico knowing this would happen 4o years later?

Today’s verse comes right before Jesus walks on water.

When we read or listen to sermons on this passage of scripture it often focuses on Peter and his faith or Jesus calming the storm. What we can gloss over as we read such a familiar story is that Jesus actually sent them across the lake.

Do you realize that they were following Jesus right into a storm? They didn’t know it, but of course Jesus knew. Jesus knew the disciples would encounter a storm on the water.

He also knew what would happen when he asked Nancy Davis and her husband to share the Gospel with the poor in Mexico.

Jesus never said that as we follow Him, we would be kept from the storms of this life. On the contrary, He mentions multiple times that life will not be all roses when we decide to follow him (John 15:20).

Do you feel as though you are in the middle of a storm and question whether God led you to where you are now? Remember the words of Jesus in verse 27 to the disciples as they were battling the storm, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”.

Are you willing to follow Jesus into whatever storm He leads you?