Storms happen when we least expect them. However, every storm in life happens for a reason. God desires to use the storms we encounter to make us better. Do you remember when Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go to the other side? He put his disciples into the boat and “sent” them out to sea.  What’s amazing is the fact that he “sent” them out knowing that moments later they would experience a storm. Why would Jesus do such a thing? Why would he knowingly send those that he loved the most into what appeared to be a dangerous situation?

Now, let’s fast forward several verses. The storm is raging, the disciples are screaming, and here comes Jesus walking on the water. They think he’s a ghost! So they scream some more! You get the picture. Peter then stands to his feet and cries out, “Lord, if that is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter does exactly that. He steps out of the boat and walks toward Jesus on top of the water. Peter has just accomplished the impossible!

Storms can be scary but God uses them to shape who we are. Can you imagine if Peter had never encountered the storm?  He would have never had the opportunity to walk on the water. He would have never become the man of faith, or the leader that we have all come to learn about and love. He would’ve never been known by his peers as the man brave enough to “get out of the boat”. Peter has accomplished an amazing thing!

God will use storms to create opportunity to bring change in a person’s life. He wants to take the storm that you are experiencing right now to make you a better husband, wife, father, mother, employee, and friend. So today, recognize God’s presence in your life. Realize that he is calling you out of the boat to do something that you have never done before. It is time for change, be willing to “step” out and walk on the water when Jesus calls you.

Surrendered,

Pastor Jonas

Crossroads Fellowship Church