Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Jesus Calms The Storm

I love this story because it has so many applications. I hope you really read closely every word because the Lord may have a new insight today for you!

Let's get to the heart of the story. The disciples AND Jesus are on a boat, but Jesus is sleeping and a storm SUDDENLY comes on the scene. Funny how a storm just popped up out of nowhere. Isn't that what typically happens in our lives? We're going about our business and then it seems all of hell is unleashed at the same time. Can you relate?

Back on the boat, the disciples are freaking out. They're afraid of dying. The winds and waves are rocking the boat and Jesus doesn't seem to be doing anything about it. Why? He's fast asleep! I sure would love to sleep like Jesus - in the middle of a storm.

So think about that. Why could He sleep so soundly? Because he was not worried. He had authority over the storm. The disciples finally remembered that Jesus was in their boat, and woke him up saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" (v. 25) And just like that, Jesus REBUKED the winds and waves, meaning he spoke with authority against the cause of it. Again, we see Jesus physically speaking words with power. After that, everything was calm.

Healing from any disease, cancer or illness is scary. It’s the scary storm in our lives that feels like it will drown us. Sometimes these illnesses come out of nowhere threatening our health and lives. It’s only natural to be frightened, just like the disciples were fearful.

However scary the storm, the key to this story is Jesus. He was right there with them before the storm came, during the raging waters, and afterwards when He calmed the storm. With Jesus on our boat, we have the Maker of the heavens and earth who can heal any disease and calm any storm. If the storm rages, Jesus’ rest is available to us in the midst of the storm. Do we trust Him to do that?

Questions:

1. When life’s storms hit unexpectedly, how often do you remember that Jesus is right there with you in the boat?

2. What fears or worries are you holding onto that keep you from resting like Jesus did in the storm?

3. How can you practice trusting Jesus’ authority over your life’s storms, especially when healing feels uncertain?