Unexpected Crisis
I was about God’s business. Leading a Bible study. Prepared and prayed up. Expecting God to meet with us. I was not running from God; I was running toward Him…and trying to help others do the same. I never expected a crisis. As I sat down waiting for the room to fill with familiar faces, I heard a ring. Was that my cellphone? I grabbed my purse and saw my husband’s name. “What’s up?” I asked. It was then I heard the anguish in his voice. “He passed out. They’re trying to revive him. Ambulance is on the way.” Our 39 year old healthy son had collapsed in his house.
Weakened by the shocking news, I tried to get up to leave but felt weakened from head to toe. I raised my hands toward heaven while my friends surrounded me to pray. We lifted my son before the Throne of Grace. At the darkest moment of fear, I knew where to turn. This crisis drove me to the One who never leaves or forsake us. Jesus, Healer, Protector, and our Anchor in the storm.
The next hours found my son enveloped in the love of family and friends. People who knew how to pray in faith were by his side. Others interceded from a distance. The Body of Christ held him up while he spent hours in ER recuperating from a major seizure. It was a nightmare for him and his entire family. But we’ve learned that when the night is the blackest and the storm is the strongest, Jesus reveals Himself as Lord. Psalm 29:10 reassures us, “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood…” We were facing a flood of uncertainty, but our faith whispered incessantly in the storm that God was on the Throne. It was our faith that held us together.
Read Matthew 14:22-24
1. Where did Jesus make his disciples go while he went up in the mountain to pray?
2. What happened to the disciples when evening came? Why do you think Jesus led them into troubled waters?
Read Matthew 14:25-29
3.What caused the disciples to cry out in fear? What words did Jesus speak to them?
4. What does Peter ask of the Lord, and what was He able to do? What detail seems important to you?
Read Matthew 14:30-33
5. What happened to Peter when he looked at the storm? What stands out to you in these verses?
6. What does Jesus say to Peter when he caught him? How do you imagine Peter would have felt at this moment?
7. When do the seas calm down, and what do the disciples declare at that moment? How does this story relate to your present circumstances?
Do you ever feel “of little faith?” I know there are times I look at my circumstances and begin to sink in stormy waters just like Peter. But even in the face of unbelief, Jesus rescued Peter and climbed into the boat to calm the storm. Jesus knows the end from the beginning. Nothing could ever surprise Him. The Bible says Jesus ordered or “constrained” the disciples to get into a ship headed for a storm. He already knew their boat would be tossed about in the surging sea while He prayed for them on the mountaintop. I believe He was teaching them He could be trusted in every storm of life. The Lord wants our trust as well. The Bible says He is looking for faith on this earth (Luke 18:8). He already knows how to meet our needs, but He wants us to boldly and confidently declare, “You are the Son of God; I trust You,” even before He calms our storm. That’s what faith is all about.
Jesus commanded HIS disciples to get into a ship and go to the other side while HE sent the multitudes away – that evening the storm came and began to wash the ship in all directions – I believe JESUS wanted to show the disciples a lesson on FAITH – when the disciples began calling in the midst of the storm – there JESUS came and walked on the waters – that should have been so reassuring to the disciples – but they thought about being alone in the midst of the storm. Fear gripped their bodies when they saw a person walking on the waters – thought it was a spirit. JESUS told the disciples to be of good cheer – It is I – and do not be afraid. Peter wanted to come walking on the waters also and meet JESUS and HE told Peter to come – Peter got side tracked with things going on around him – that sounds just like you and I sometimes – we also get side tracked and loose our focus – become fearable. Peter lost his footing and began to sink – then he called out to JESUS – Peter was doubting – which is a back thing to do in the middle of our storm – we should turn everything over to JESUS each time because HE has all of the answers and can take care of anything – but you and I are so human and lose control. When JESUS spoke the entire storm stopped – they were all in the ship together. They all worshipped him and decided HE was truly the SON OF GOD. JESUS is always showing us HE is the calm in a storm in our lives – sometimes we just lose sight of what HE really can do in our lives. I want ever part of my live to be in the hands of JESUS – HE is such a wonderful leader and can guide you and me along the path of our lives – HE is so wonderful to each one of us. Going through a major situation in our lives is a major happening – but after the storm starts – let us turn it over to the LORD – for we know HE is always in control of everything.
Wonderful lesson – Karen – I always enjoyed your teaching lessons when we lived in Indianapolis – GOD is using you to point the way to others and help change lives.
This is so good Karen!! Thankfully I don’t have any “storms” happening in my life right now, but it is a great reminder to draw from for the future. Seriously….good stuff.