You Are Never AloneSample

God Is with You in the Storm

When we’re in the middle of a storm, looking for a solution to a pressing problem, we’re just trying to get through it, or out of it, or away from it. During those times in life, it is easy to become so focused on the problem—whatever is causing it—that we miss what is happening in the midst of it. We look at our resources, and the size of the storm, and we don’t see a solution. We often loose the perspective that “we can’t, but you can, Jesus!” The problems we face are opportunities for Christ to prove that what we cannot do, Christ does! 

In John 6:1–13, we read of a time that Jesus fed a multitude of people. A great crowd had gathered to listen to him. The disciples saw the people’s hunger, but they didn’t see a solution. When Jesus asked, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat,” Philip answered, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (verses 5–6 NIV). The disciples saw the problem but didn’t recognize who was with them. 

Jesus stepped in, the need was met, and the people were miraculously and abundantly fed. In the process, the disciples learned that Christ could do what they could not. The same is true in our lives when we are feeling overwhelmed and see no solution in sight. We need to remember that Jesus is with us. We aren’t alone or without help. What bewilders us does not bewilder Christ. He is never stumped by our problems—and he has the solutions. 

Jesus intervened in the midst of that “storm.” But in John 6:16–21, we see how he intervened in a different type of storm—of the more literal kind. The disciples were in a boat in the midst of a terrifying storm. They were sure they would sink and screamed their prayers for help. But they heard nothing. If only Jesus were with them in the boat . . . but he was not. The moment had all the elements of a crisis. The storm controlled the disciples and held them in fear. 

But then the unimaginable happened. The disciples in the boat “saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid’ ” (John 6:19–20 NIV). Jesus came to them in the midst of the storms and told them not to be afraid because he—God himself—was with them. “Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (verse 21 NIV). The moment the disciples invited Christ into their boat, they reached the shore.

Storms can dominate our lives as well. Just as we have no authority over the squalls of nature, we have no authority over the squalls of life. But when we see nothing but darkness and wonder if God is near, we need to remember our greatest need is his presence. Yes, we want the storm to pass. Yes, we want the winds to still. But yes, yes, yes, we want to know—need to know, and must know—that our great God is near.

Today, follow the disciples’ example and welcome Jesus into the midst of your turbulent time. Don’t let the storm turn you inward. Let it turn you upward. Don’t try to weather it alone. Row the boat and bail the water, but above all bid Christ to enter your sinking craft. Believe that you are never alone—that your miracle-working God sees you, cares about you, and will come to your aid. He is still the great I AM. The next time you pray, “Is anyone coming to help me?” listen for the response of Jesus: “I AM with you in the storm.”

Respond

How have you seen a storm become an opportunity for Christ to work a miracle in your life?

How would you like to see your faith expressed in a storm you are facing right now?

How is Jesus’ presence comforting in the midst of your storm? How does the reality of his presence impact how you respond to your circumstances?