What do you do when the winds get strong and loud in your life? When one of life’s unexpected surprises blows in?
Some days are challenging enough when we can see the problems coming. But when we don’t see it — it comes blowing in from what seems like no where — it can be even harder.
And the unexpected looks like a lot of things. Whether it is a family relationship, rejection from a school or job you planned on, a health issue, a betrayal of a friend, a (millionth- time-thought-it-was-fixed) conflict, we are often blindsided and it eats away at our hope and resolve.
One Life’s Unexpected Surprise: A Miraculous and Powerful Story
Jesus often had such moments occur with the disciples. And, from them, came moments of growth and realization. Here is such a moment for Peter, the follower of Jesus, in Matthew 14:22-33.
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
When we study the Bible we like to move quickly to application of how we behave. But sometimes that application is not about something for us to do but is a new one of how we think about God. And, as a result, how we relate and lean upon Him.
Such moments can take time to reflect and prayerfully ponder but offers a refreshing wind into our lives with God.
5 Hopes for You in Life’s Unexpected Surprises
Knowing God is not just a memorized-facts sort of thing. There is a deeper sense of knowing that was carried in Hebrew thought. One that would move beyond facts to a relational trust and deeper knowing. So as we learn of God’s love for us and His goodness of being, there are things we can remind ourselves and one another. And there are more than a few for us in this passage.
- He is a God who surprises, not always in our plans or ways.
- He knows when we are buffeted by the winds and unexpected surprises.
- Jesus is the Lord not just of the land, but of the water. Even that area that you can’t imagine His presence in, He is there and aware.
- When our moments are hard for us to come to him, Jesus comes to us.
- Jesus meets us where we are at — and often calls us to something more.
Each of these shows up in this passage. Some humble us. Some sound very encouraging.
God will grow us in the winds. We are encouraged that He does bring good (Romans 8:28) even when what we experience isn’t good. Our character may grow. We may suffer in a way that allows us to comfort others. Or some other manner. In all of it, we can grow in faith and trust in Him.
We are encouraged that He does bring good even when what we experience isn’t good.
And Jesus’ love and goodness are expressed in various ways. In your own storms, sometimes Christ’s hand reaches out to you in various forms: a friend who cares, a well-timed phone call or email, a verse long memorized coming to mind, or a doctor who can care for you.
In your own storms, sometimes Christ’s hand reaches out to you in various forms: a friend who cares, a well-timed phone call or email, a verse long memorized coming to mind, or a doctor who can care for you.
We often miss these. Sometimes we even refuse them, forgetting God often comes in very incarnate ways.
Have faith. Say a yes. Take firm grip. Remember he loves you even when you sink or appear to fail.
May you receive that hand of the Lord, however it comes in your winds. May you find that renewed awe that leads to a fresh exclamation for you in saying “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava from Pexels
1 thought on “When the Wind Blows: 5 Hopes about God in Life’s Unexpected Surprises”
Thank you! This is a good reminder of the ways God comes to us. We need to be aware of and open to his messages.
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