Jesus Comes To Us In The Storm

Jesus Comes To Us In The Storm
Dr. Thomas D. Hawkes
“But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid’” (John 6:20).

Years ago, I was meeting with a friend in the midst of a storm in my work life. He did not offer me pious platitudes but rather his presence. “Whatever comes from this, I will walk with you through it all.” Nothing about the storm changed, but everything felt different. I was not alone! 

In life’s storms we often feel alone. Nothing isolates a person like troubles. At sea alone, as the disciples were, being in a storm was severely isolating. There was no one passing by to help, as there is likely to be on a highway, or even a mountain trail. Being in a storm on the Sea of Galilee at night was a fearful and isolating experience! 

What makes this even worse is that the Israelites were not a seafaring people. Some cultures take to the water others do not. The Israelites did not. In this large lake, miles from shore, in a severe storm, they were afraid, trembling with fear. They would not think of Jesus as a source of help. He was not a fisherman, as some of them were, but a carpenter.

But Jesus surprised them. He came, not swimming or boating, but walking. Walking on the water. This at first increases their fear. And why would it not? A figure walking on the water must be a ghost or something frightening!

But then Jesus spoke. “It is I, do not be afraid.” How their hearts must surely have leapt within them! Their leader was there with them. They could not understand how or why, but his presence assures them. If Jesus is with us in the storm everything will be all right. Sure enough, the seas calmed, and they were safely on land. Miracle upon miracle! 

The Lord offers us this comfort in the midst of life’s storms, he is with us. When Paul faced opposition in Corinth the Lord assured him: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9- 10). 

When the Philistines were persecuting Isaac, the Lord came to him and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you…” (Gen 26:24). When Jeremiah was opposed in Jerusalem for speaking the word of the Lord, God said to him, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you…” (Jer. 1:8). 

There are few more encouraging phrases in the world than, “I am with you!” I am here, I will stay with you, walk with you, help you, do not be afraid. 

When Jesus is with us in the midst of life’s storm we can really rest secure. John Calvin notes: “It is in Christ’s presence alone that we have abundant grounds of confidence, so as to be calm and at ease.”

Where is a storm in your life? Is there a financial storm, a health storm, a relational storm, or a vocational storm? You do not have to navigate it alone, look to Christ who walks nearby, ready to come into your boat and guide it safely to shore. May you hear him say, “It is I, do not be afraid.”