The Wind Was Contrary…

The Wind Was Contrary…

…”But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary…(Matthew 14:34)

Have you ever set out to do something that you thought was the right thing to do and in the midst of doing it everything started going wrong? Oh, my friend, you are in a good place to witness a miracle!

In the book of Matthew, chapter fourteen, we read where Jesus instructed his disciples to enter into a ship and, “go before him unto the other side…” The disciples followed our Lord’s instructions and entered into the ship to set sail for “the other side.” While they were sailing alone, Jesus himself went up into a mountain to pray until evening.

It was around the “fourth watch of the night” (3 AM) when the disciples found their ship being tossed about by the waves from the contrary winds. Now, remember these were seasoned fishermen who knew a thing or two about storms…But, no man or woman enjoys being in a storm at 3AM in the middle of a sea! As they were doing their best to steer the ship in the tumultuous tossing winds, they saw a “figure” walking upon the waters. Surely, it was a spirit they thought…Perhaps, they even thought it was a “sign of death.” Their faith was definitely being tested…

But, the Bible teaches us that, “Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” (vs 27)…I don’t know about you, but “cheering” because it was the LORD coming towards me instead of an unknown spirit would not have been a problem! I would have been jumping up and down, clapping, and cheering, “Thank you, thank you Sweet Jesus!”

Many of us know the rest of the story. This is when Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk upon the waters to meet Jesus…In ways, I think I would have wished to do the same thing! I mean who wouldn’t want to rush out to meet Jesus when your ship is being tossed to and fro!! But, as soon as Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink into the waters. Ouch! And, thus we have one of the shortest prayers in the Bible, “Lord, save me!” As a result, Jesus sweetly reached out his hand and pulled Peter from the waters as he admonished him, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Doubt comes into all of our lives at one time or another…But, just as Peter called upon the Lord to save him, we can pray the same simple prayer, “Lord, save me.” Whether it be new adventures or an old adventure with a new twist, we can all become apprehensive in our endeavors. That’s when it’s time to call upon the one whom the winds and seas obey…

Today, you may be facing a situation in your own life where you need Faith, Hope, and Trust…Then, my friend, as I said before, you are in a good place…You are in the ship and Jesus is walking upon the waters heading your way! Remain calm and soon you will hear his voice say unto you, “It is I.” Amen!

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, M.Ed. Author

“The Winds and Seas Obey…”

²⁷ But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!  (Matthew 8:27 KJV)

Amazing!  Aren’t you glad that you know a “MAN” who is able to calm the raging winds and seas in your life?  A man whom the winds and seas “OBEY?”   I know I am, and his name is Jesus Christ.

Do the winds and seas in your life need to be calmed and quieted today?  Do you stand in need of peace of mind?  Do you feel as if the boisterous winds and the continuous white-capped raging waves hitting the side of your vessel are just more than you can stand?  Call out for Jesus… Only HE can calm the winds and seas of life…both physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual…

We all go through storms and seasons of storms within our lives; some more than others…But, we all know what it is like to be sailing on the “sea-of-life” and suddenly be hit by a storm and need a Savior to rescue us from the swelling tides…A Captain well-skilled in taking over our vessel and getting us safely to “the other side.”  (Matthew 8)

Some storms in life are more “predictable,” possibly even understandable.  But, some storms seem to come out of nowhere and insist on remaining active and thriving for days, weeks, months, and even years…Oh, how these storms rock our vessel and rock our world to the point of feeling as if we are going to fall off the planet!  How grateful I am that when “all” seems out of control, I can call on Jesus anytime, anywhere, and any place!

For a Christian believer and follower, Jesus is always aboard our boat; no matter what life’s storms may bring our way…Jesus sails the rough seas right beside me and you…He is well able to get us to the other side…”What manner of man is this that even the winds and seas obey!” 

Life’s “winds” and “seas” won’t obey my voice or command, but they do obey God’s.  So, by putting my hope, trust, and faith in Him, I know that HE can calm the storms of life and see me to the other side just as He did the disciples that day long, long ago on the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever…A very present help in the time of trouble (need).

Trust Him today; put your faith in Him that no matter what may be happening or taking place, He knows; he understands; and only He can get you to the other side…”Jesus, there’s just something about that name!”  Praise Your Holy Name…Amen…

Remember, God Loves You

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins Sept 2012