Gospel bite: ‘Calm’ in the midst of a ‘Storm’

Struggling with the worldly or spiritual storm in your life? Look no further than the ONE to whom even the wind, waves and the earth submit.

Often we go through various storms in our lives. To some, their storm could be deteriorating health; to some, it could be through stressed relationships or financial affairs or job situation and so on. The magnitude of the problematic storms may vary from person to person.

As much as we may not want these storms in our lives, they do persist and everyone goes through it at at some point during their lifetime. Every person handles the situation differently as per his knowledge, conditioning and influence from friends and family. Being in the middle of the storm leads to panic and often crushes our ability to think rationally at that moment. Most often, we seek advice from immediate family members and friends, trusting them to see the situation from a top view and suggest remedial measures or quick fixes to overcome the situation.

An identical situation, for e.g. going through financial stress, may invoke different responses from different people, everything else remaining the same. If one had an assurance that the struggle is going to be temporary, they would not be hassled as much as another person, who believes it to be permanent. The key word here is ‘assurance’. This word could mean a lot. The son of a rich man would not worry about his future or career knowing that his father would provide for him at the right time. How much more at ease should you be, if you knew that our heavenly father Jesus Christ is watching over your struggles and would never let you suffer beyond what you can bear. Trust in him and he would deliver you. Often, he is teaching us to depend on Him for strength, good counsel and comfort, instead of relying on our perceived intelligence or wisdom.

In Isaiah 43, God reveals his assurance for his chosen people “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God.”

When you are ill, you go to a General Practitioner, for you believe he would be able to see through your problem and help you. As such, you would let go your problem and submit it to the doctor, because you trust in his abilities. Would you try to let go your life’s problems and situations, no matter the problem and its scale, to the greatest doctor – the healer, the counsellor, the mentor, and the creator – He knows best. He said, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you’. Trust in Him.

Sufferings and problems will remain on the earth as long as one lives, and these build character and perseverance. Let us try to submit the situation at the feet of God, inquiring for His work and will to be done. You will be marveled at what the situation will yield. King David, one of the greatest kings to ever exist, sought dependance, guidance, and refuge in the King of Kings 'Jesus Christ'.

Ever wondered why a little child in the arms of the father, would giggle and laugh without panicking, when he is tossed up high in the air? The child knows that he would land safely in the arms of the father and that his father loves him and would never let him down at any cost. When Jesus rebuked the storm surrounding his boat and said “Be still”, He knew the storm would submit to him for He is Lord and has authority over the heavens, the earth and every situation in your life. Jesus encourages us with this assurance, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Would you try Jesus in your moments of hopelessness? Trust him for He knows best.