“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:22–23)
As the disciples headed out across the Sea of Galilee, they were caught in a terrible storm. This wasn’t the first time for them. In Matthew chapter 8, a terrible storm arose, and Jesus was asleep on the boat with them. They woke him with panicked cries of, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” At that time, Jesus calmed the storm.
This time a storm rolls in and Jesus wasn’t with them.
I think that’s one of the scariest parts of life – when the storms roll in and we feel all alone. We begin to think, “I can’t handle this, this is too much for me. I don’t think I’ll make it!” We feel helpless and on our own. But as true as that may feel, it’s not totally true.
The disciples were, in fact, without Jesus’ physical presence in the boat. But he wasn’t up on the mountain star-gazing and relaxing – he was on the mountain praying. The author of Hebrews tells us something very important about Jesus’ prayer: “Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) Did you catch that? Jesus always lives to intercede for us!
Jesus was on the mountain, above the storm. The disciples were on the sea, in the thick of it. Jesus saw the storm roll in down below. He was aware of his friends’ needs as he watched them struggle on the oars against the waves. And Jesus was interceding. Saving.
No less is true for you and me today! Jesus is in heaven, above the storms. But he sees them roll into our lives. He sees you, his friend, as you struggle against the waves. But he’s not passively watching. He’s actively interceding for you! Rescuing you.
When you feel alone, remember “…for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5) You are not alone! Even in the storm.
That encourages my faith! I hope it does yours, as well.
Join us Sunday and we’ll look together at this great story and learn some principles of growing our faith in my series, “How Firm a Foundation.” See you then!
