by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!”
But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear?  Where is your faith?” Then he stood and rebuked the storm, saying, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm. Matthew 8:23-26 (TPT)

Let’s paint the picture of the moment described here.

• The boat and the lake were a familiar environment for at least four of the disciples who were fishermen, sufficient to build confidence for a smooth ride,
• The Lord Jesus was present with them; what could be a better guarantee of a smooth ride?
• The storm developed suddenly, generating waves that threatened to swamp the boat.

Is anything more paralyzing than the fear of death? How do I respond in the moments of sudden or expected? Three things were evident in the disciples’ response:

1. Had they seen the Lord in the full dimension of His power? If they had, how could nature rebel against its Creator, except it was Satan at work? Did the disciples consider this?
2. When the fear of death gripped, panic set in, and,
3. Caused them to accuse the Lord.

Jesus did exactly what He had done in their presence several times casting out demons; He rebuked the sudden life-threatening storm. They could not remember, if they knew it at all, the promise of Isaiah 43:1,2 (AMPC) —  

But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

We must come to terms with our need to know our God and all that we have in Him. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16-20 (TPT) beckons to each of us as a necessity to live by —

And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.

In such times as we live, sudden storms can come in the form of health challenges, financial collapse, persecution and any form of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes etc, but the principles for victory remain the same. Yes, we run to Jesus, but not in immature faith that out of fear accuses Him of abandonment but in confidence and in the full assurance of what the wise man wrote in Proverbs 3:21-26 (TPT) —

My child, never drift off course from these two goals for your life: to walk in wisdom and to discover your purpose. Don’t ever forget how they empower you. For they strengthen you inside and out and inspire you to do what’s right; you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble. You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound—your rest will be sweet and secure. You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation.

And even in the face of death, sure death, our confession must be like the Lord’s and as Stephen’s as expressed in Luke 23: 34, 46 and Acts 7:59,60. Are you ready? If not, this is the day to start preparing for the suddenlies. Selah.