Today’s Gospel is Jesus calming the storm while the disciples are in the boat and afraid. We can all probably relate to having storms in our lives and being afraid. But we can also probably relate to feeling like Jesus is resting while we need Him. As the boat is rocked by waves, Jesus is asleep. (Matthew 8:24, NABRE). Have you ever felt like Jesus was asleep, like you are praying and not getting an answer or the answer you think you want? Jesus is always with us and He always gives us what is best for us and responds in the ways that we need.
This Gospel passage is ultimately about trust and our faith in Jesus. Do we trust that Jesus never abandons us? Do we have faith that He will get us through the storms? Oftentimes, it is easier to be focused on the storms and challenges in our lives, and we allow those storms to cloud our faith. But the greater the trust and faith we have, the more aware we are that Jesus cares and that He is with us always, ready to help us.
Jesus being asleep in the boat tells us that He was at peace and He had things under control. This should remind us to be at peace in the storms of life, trusting that Jesus is in the midst of the storms. And the only way we can be at peace is if we stay focused on Jesus, keeping our gaze fixed on Him. Often, it is through the storms that we can be drawn closer to Jesus and grow to know Him more deeply. But we just have to trust and keep our faith.
If you are going through anything challenging right now, know that Jesus is with you in the boat. If it seems like Jesus is silent or asleep, surrender to Him and believe that He is in control. My prayer for each of us today is that we would always live with an awareness of Christ’s presence in the storms and trust that He is right there with us in the boat.
Faith and The Good Stuff 