But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary”

In Mathew 14, Jesus and His disciples had just miraculously fed 5000 men excluding woman and children and Jesus tells them to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The apostles were obedient and during their journey they found themselves in the midst of a life-threatening storm. We are told that “the wind was contrary”, these contrary winds were winds blowing in the opposite direction which hindered their progress.

This passage got me thinking, isn’t it strange that even when we are in obedience to the word of God, we can still find ourselves in the midst of situations that oppose us, contrary winds. Even when you step out in faith you can be confronted with contradicting conditions. These contrary winds blow storms into our homes, relationships, marriages, finances and even our health. Contrary winds (storms of life) are real and they come upon us suddenly and unexpectedly.

What we need to keep in mind is that even in these storms, Jesus is never absent. When we continue reading the story you find that Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples. I love the fact that when trouble is all around you, you don’t have to look for the Lord, because He knows where you are and He will come to you in your time of need. And just like He called out to the disciples, He calls out to you and I saying “take courage and don’t be afraid”.

Contrary winds will always accompany some of life’s journeys but we have a promise from God that when we pass through the waters we will not drown or when we go through the fire we will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2-3). So even when it seems like you are sinking, remember you will not drown.

Storms for some actually serve as a stepping stone for greater opportunities. One of the disciples on the boat, named Peter, used this storm to challenge Jesus to allow him to walk on water. While others were afraid and crying, Peter dares to take a step of faith and becomes the second man to walk on the surface of the water.

Jesus is willing to climb into your boat and calm the storm for you and He is willing to make the impossible possible in that storm as well. Either way – hold onto HIM.

God Bless you.