Unexpected storms in life can be some of the most challenging experiences in our lifetime. Sudden, unannounced, and unpredictable storms can lead us to question whether God controls our lives. Death, sickness, unemployment, broken relationships, fears, and failures are some of the troubles our enemy satan can use to overwhelm us with doubt. He knows that we are more easily discouraged when stressed and exhausted.
Perhaps you have experienced an unexpected storm in your life, or you may be in the middle of one right now. Many of the disciples were experienced fishermen. Peter and the other disciples that were fishermen, often fished at night, so setting sail across the lake at sunset wouldn’t have been considered dangerous. Fishing was the best in the evening, and storms on the Sea of Galilee usually occurred in the afternoon. The last thing the disciples expected as they launched their boat was a storm.
The Disciples Experienced an Unexpected Storm
Mark 4:35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.[1] This brief story illustrates the storms of life. They come up quickly, are fierce, and can be overwhelming.
Unexpected Storms Show us the Uncertainty of Life
As people, we sometimes think we are strong and in control, only to find out that we are as fragile as eggshells. James 4:14How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.[2]
Life is not the same as we come through the other side of a storm. We look at people around us differently and even may see our vocation in a new way. I know more than one person whose life vocation was not as important after a health crisis. It often takes the uncertainty of life for the Lord to reveal what is essential.
Unexpected Storms of Life Show Us the Need to Cling to Jesus
While a storm can be unexpected and unpredictable, our relationship with Jesus is the rock in the river that we can always grasp. A storm in life may wash many things away, but it will never wash away our relationship with Jesus. No matter how a storm may batter us, our relationship with Jesus will sustain us and bring us to the other side.
Corrie ten Boom writes, “In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.” [3]
May Jesus be your anchor in the unexpected storms of life. To hear more about the unexpected storms in life, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-jesus-calms-the-storm
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers..