What to do in a storm

May is a big month for big springtime storms: Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods can and do strike with frightening speed. And those caught in such inclement weather can just as quickly feel helpless, on their own. The gospels record several times when Jesus seemingly left his disciples "on their own," without any immediate visible assistance from himself. On one such occasion he sent them straight into a storm, while he went away by himself to pray. Both Matthew and Mark record that Jesus was not very polite about it-he made them go (the King James Version says compelled; the Greek term means to force). Once they got out into the middle of the sea, a storm arose, so that their boat was "buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it."

This should raise immediate questions: Where did the storm come from? Who sent the wind? The Scriptures teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the supreme Ruler of the world, because "all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:15-17); he "sustains all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3). Psalm 147 tells us that it is God who "covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain.... He stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow." From beginning to end, the power comes from God's word, controlling his wind, his waters, his elements. Jesus wanted his disciples to learn not to be afraid of "storms" of any kind-because storms are sent by our Lord while he prays for his people (Hebrews 7:25; 9:24).

Later, around 3:00 a.m., Jesus went out to meet them-walking on the water! Naturally, they were afraid, but immediately they heard him call out: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." He, indeed, had sent the storm-not to frighten them, but to show his nature, goodness, and power.

With typical impulsiveness Peter responded by asking to walk on the water with Jesus, and amazingly, Jesus invited Peter to join him. Jesus was gently teaching the disciples that faith runs toward Christ in trials, not from him.

The miracles aren't quite over yet. Once they got back in the boat, the wind died down. Why? Because its job was finished. The whole purpose for the storm's existence was to teach the disciples about Christ's power; as soon as that had been accomplished, there was no longer any reason for the storm. The storm lasts until its mission is accomplished. Jesus was teaching the disciples not only that he has supreme power to conquer the elements, but that, whether the elements are "conquered" or not, he is in control. It is at that precise point that Scripture records: "Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the son of God.'"

If we pay attention, storms can enable us to recognize Christ's power and trust him. We should learn to trust Christ's loving sovereignty in the most frightening of circumstances. He is the one who sends the storms we experience, and he sends them so that we will behold his sovereignty over them.

With Job we should confess that blessing and calamity alike come from God (Job 1:20-21; 2:10); and the crucial point is assuredly not that we can always see where God is directing us, but that "he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10).

All the storms he sends are meant to display his goodness and power, and he desires us, in the midst of the storm, to run to him, imitate him, and cry for help. Look at Jesus, not at "nature." Let him use the storm to teach you about himself.

"The lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" (Psalm 9:9-10).