Stormy Weather and FEAR

Matthew 14:22-34  (New King James Version)

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.  Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.”  And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret". 
                                                                      

               

The disciples of Jesus were in a ship.  A storm came up and they became afraid.  But then, they saw Jesus walking on the water - toward them.  He told them who He was. As the story progresses,  Peter, one of the disciples, walked on the water too.....at first....until he became afraid of the storm.
                                                       

Are you experiencing a storm in your life at the moment? 
It is human nature to be fearful your current situation. 
Matthew 14:31 says, "And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  Notice that Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught Peter.  
But wait - look at the next verse.  It says "And when they were got in to the boat, the wind ceased".
Jesus caught Peter and was with him until they got in to the boat.  
It does not say that Jesus stopped the storm and then they went to the ship. It says "when they got in to the boat , the wind ceased".   If you are experiencing a storm in your life right now, please understand that God knows and He does care!  
Sometimes our Heavenly Father will go "through" the storm with us and then there are other times when He may take the storm away.  
                                    Another part of this story that catches my eye is that Jesus is the One who sent His disciples to the ship and told them to meet Him on the other side.  Matthew 14:22 says, "Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away." 
Jesus knew what was about to transpire.  He sent them.  
So many times we question God when He tells us to do something or go somewhere.  We become frustrated and question Him when we're trying our best to serve Him and obey His Word.  Yet, the storms of life come and create havoc and disappointments for us.  Today, I encourage you to find comfort in knowing that our Savior knows, He cares and He is right there with us "through" the storms.
                                           
                                                      

Do not be afraid!