Stories are often told in a reflective manner. There’s usually the “it all started with…”.  There’s usually various details of the situation, struggle or conflict, whatever you want to call it. Then finally, the details of how you made it through. Thank God that’s over! You tell of God’s goodness, how He orchestrated everything to get you the relief you desired. You may say something like, “I never saw this coming! But God intervened on my behalf and now it’s behind me.” With that being said, when we’re going through a dark time in our lives, we sometimes tend to forget about the very One who got us through all the hard times before. We may start complaining. We may have ourselves a good old fashioned pity party. “God, where are you?” My friend, He’s right where He’s always been. High above our circumstances and eyes fixed on us. He’s never changed and He won’t fail this time. 

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. (‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35-39‬ NLT) 

First of all, these guys found themselves in a fierce predicament. The boat was literally filling with water! That’s a bad storm. Obviously they weren’t expecting it. Jesus, however, was sleeping. He was not taken back by this situation. He already knew what was going to happen. Nature has to obey Him anyway. But let’s examine what He told them to begin with. He said they were taking the boat to the other side of the lake. In the midst of the storm, the disciples forgot His words. He didn’t suggest that He hoped they would make it. He said they were going! He, however, was the only One resting in that fact. Let’s be careful not to point any fingers. How many times do we have God’s very Word on a matter and then freak out when things aren’t playing out exactly how we thought they should? I would say a lot. It’s hard. Circumstances are so real and they pounce on you so fast. We have to remember what the Bible says about the situation we’re in. We have to stand on the Truth even when things are in disarray. God’s Word will prove true when everything else fails. 

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? (‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭19‬ NLT) This scripture is a game changer! He doesn’t have to give us the details for the middle. He knows the beginning from the end and everything in between. We have to build our spiritual muscles and walk by faith and not by sight. Sometimes what we “see” can sway our thinking. God says to “stand”. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm (‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ NLT).

Storms are completely inevitable in the natural world we live in and the spiritual realm. No matter what the circumstance, God is still in control. Jesus may seem like He’s fallen asleep on you but rest assured, He has a plan! He’s in charge anyway. We’re not the Captain, we’re just passengers. We’re riding with the most experienced Navigator the world has ever known. He will get you to the other side!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.