It has been a year of epic challenges. We have watched our nation become paralyzed with the COVID -19 pandemic, and when it appeared that peril was about to abate, another outbreak gripped us. Amidst that crisis, an unarmed African American named George Floyd was tragically murdered by a Minneapolis police officer and the shockwaves of racial injustice and claims of police brutality prompted rioting and looting in the streets of cities around our nation.<\/p>\n
What are we to take away from this national civil and physical unrest? In Matthew 14, Jesus sends His disciples out and they too were gripped by a storm that caused them great fear. We learn in this brief narrative some timeless principles.<\/p>\n
I. God\u2019s plan may surprise you (22-24)<\/strong><\/p>\n Since Jesus instructed the disciples to go to the other side of the sea, they undoubtedly were doing the will of God, yet that did not prohibit them from facing a life-threatening storm. Even if we are right where we need to be spiritually, we also deal with countless storms in our lives, however; we often learn our greatest lessons during these times of trial and adversity. Charles Spurgeon said, \u201cOur troubles have always brought us blessings and they always will. They are the dark chariots of God\u2019s bright grace\u201d.<\/p>\n II. God\u2019s presence will surround you (25-26)<\/strong><\/p>\n As the disciples battled the wind, the waves, and the darkness of night, Jesus showed up \u2014 walking to them on the water. They think it\u2019s an apparition at first and in their fear and anxiety, Jesus says, \u201cBe of good cheer; it is I, do not be afraid.\u201d Jesus has a habit of showing up at just the right time. His presence, as it surrounds us, brings peace and resolve.<\/p>\n