Torrents of Torment

Key Scripture: “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:27-31

In earlier verses we see that the disciples were sent into a storm by the Lord, which is interesting seeing that the Holy Spirit also led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). The trials that God allows are never to destroy but to build us up. His plans for us are to prosper and not to harm! It’s important to understand this, otherwise we will find ourselves going through storm after storm not being able to grasp the valuable wisdom inside of them. 

Many of us are called by God but the path he instructs us to walk along is one we’ve never seen anyone walk! It seems impossible for us and we become much like Peter asking, “Is this you, Lord?” I find great comfort and joy in reading 1 Corinthians 2:9, where it says that all God has prepared for us has never been heard or seen. Verse 10 says, but he has revealed these things to us through his Spirit! 

There’s another verse similar, Colossians 3:3, that says our lives are hidden in Christ. When we draw near to the Lord, his purpose for our lives become more clear. Like a lamp unto our feet, He guides us along the path of righteousness even in the midst of a boisterous storm. 

So, the Lord says “Come”.

Peter does exactly what I think many of us do. In faith, we step out of our boat and walk towards what He’s called us to. Surely, if he called us there he would provide all that is necessary, because again, we fully believe his plans are not to harm but to prosper, right? 

Ask yourself, can faith and fear share the same space? Peter did the impossible with his eyes set on Jesus, but in a moment's time fear crept in and he began to sink. I wonder if Peter thought by obeying the Lord’s command the storm would cease. If we do all the right things does it mean we no longer have trouble? 

Turmoil does not subside because we’ve decided to take Jesus up on his offer. No… Instead, we are given His peace that enables us to stand, even in the midst of turmoil. 

When we lose sight of God, we cry out “Lord, save me!” In losing sight of Him, we lose our peace because He is peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). I believe God tests us in varying ways to increase our faith in Him, to build history with Him. 

As we walk with God, we should become increasingly resilient; our legs firm, eyes locked in, trusting that God will sustain us. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want him to constantly find me struggling to find my way, reaching out in despair due to my own lack of faith. I don’t want to travel around the same mountain, going through the same trials for years when it should have taken a few days with proper understanding and faith in what He has already said. 

You are called (Matthew 22:14). There’s no need to fear, no need to worry, and no need to be anxious. Decide today that you will no longer be bullied by the torrents of torment, no longer tossed to and fro by the winds and waves of confusion and despair. Stay focused on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith. We truly can do all things through him who gives us strength! Amen!

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3