Jesus Calms the storm

When I was reading scripture the other day with the boys, I was struck by something I hadn't noticed before. (I first read in their children's Bible and then went to my own to see if it was the same.)

I had told you before that Caleb's favorite Bible story right now is when Jesus gets in the boat and falls asleep. A great storm comes, the disciples are afraid, and Jesus sleeps through it. Then in Matt. 8:25-26, "The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied , 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."

It was amazing to me that after reading this story every night for the last three weeks, and knowing it since I was a little girl, I never noticed that Jesus speaks truth into his disciples lives before he calms the storm. There it was right in front of me. The disciples are terrified. They think they are going to die. Fear has overcome them and they can't think straight, the depth of their faith is questioned. Which isn't that like all of us? When things are at their hardest, when life is overwhelming, relationships seem difficult, you don't know where the money will come from, the crying or sickness won't end, when we can't see a way out of our situation, that is when we cling to our faith or can't find it.

In my mind, Jesus always calmed the storm first, then he turned to his disciples and spoke truth to them. (My husband says I have selective hearing, I apparently have selective reading too.) Maybe for all of you, you've had the story straight from the beginning, but for me, speaking truth into your life during the storm instead of when its all over is of a huge significance. Can you imagine, the storm is raging around you, the waves are crashing up over the boat, in your mind you are convinced you are going to die. When you scream to be heard over the crashing thunder, the Messiah looks at you and speaks truth into your life.

Why are you so afraid?
Who do you think I am?
Why don't you trust me?
Do you believe in my power?
Don't you know I love you and have your best interest in mind?
Where is your faith?
Who is in charge here?
Why do you doubt me?
Why are you afraid?

Then he stands and takes away the crashing, he quiets the thunder, he breaks up the clouds, silences the waves and makes them calm. Can you imagine seeing that kind of power?

He speaks truth in the storm, then shows his power. Why don't you trust me? In the storm, why are you afraid?

See the disciples for weeks prior to this have witnessed the Messiah preaching and teaching with power, authority and wisdom. The sermon on the mount, which is most likely multiple times of teaching all put into one section for our sake. They have witnessed countless miracles. The healing of Peter's mother, casting out dozens of demons, healing the Centurion's servant without even seeing him. Touching the man with Leprosy, something no one else does. They have seen his great love for people and how he helps those who can't help themselves. They have seen his power and yet they forget.

It's like I just described myself. I continue to see God's hand in my life, but then I forget. So easy I forget, and then in the midst of when things are hard, I question the one who loves me most.

So if you've always known this truth, good for you. For me, understanding scripture the right way brings me more peace and comfort. It allows me to know God the way he truly is, not the way I make him out to be. He speaks to us in the storm, not just after.