Why Does Jesus Use Storms In Our Lives?

In Matthew 14:22—33 we have the account of Jesus sending His disciples on ahead in a boat where they encounter a great storm. Now if we believe that Jesus is God the Son we must also believe that He knew His disciples would encounter this storm. The question that faces us as we consider the account is why would Jesus use a storm in the lives of His disciples? Even greater for us though is the question—why does Jesus use storms in our lives?

        God uses storms to move us out of self-control to faith-control (or God-control).  Faith is not the ability to figure out what is happening. Faith is the ability to trust in God even when we can’t figure out what is happening and can’t even see ahead. In the midst of the chaos brought about by storms in our lives God is creating a perfect order that only He can see through to bring us where we need to be. What we see as chaos, God views as order.

        During those times where we are being shaken, confused, bewildered by our circumstances God’s expectation is that we will trust in Him by faith—“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Or, as The Message Bible translation presents this verse—“It’s our handle on what we can’t see.”

        God’s ability to bring us into circumstances that are outside of our ability to ‘handle’ them are the best times for God to teach us truths about Himself and to draw us closer to Himself. What storms are you presently experiencing? Are you looking to Jesus in the midst of them? What is the Lord trying to teach you through this storm? Remember, your view of Jesus and determination to move towards Him will decide whether you ‘walk’ through it or ‘sink’ in it. My prayer is that you will walk through it.