Originally posted June 1, 2014
How to handle the ‘without warning’ moments of life
It happens to us all. ‘Without warning’ moments. Times when everything is proceeding smoothly according to plan. Suddenly. Without warning. Everything changes in an instant. The unexpected loss of a loved one, unemployment, a diagnosis…We feel like everything is going wrong. We feel like we are going to drown.
I was reading Matthew’s account of ‘Jesus calming the storm’ (Matthew 8:23-27). The title inserted into our Bible is a spoiler. Maybe we should remove it to really gain the full impact of how the disciples really felt?
The disciples have been following Jesus. They have been marvelling at his authority. They have witnessed countless people be healed, set free and delivered.
Just one touch, or even one word spoken from Jesus, and lives are transformed. Situations are turned around.
Jesus gets into a boat. The disciples follow. Some of the disciples were fishermen. They would have been in boats more times than we can imagine. They were entering into known territory. They knew what calm waters were, how to read the weather and if there would be trouble. Jesus falls asleep.
Suddenly, without warning!
Then comes the ‘suddenly’ moment. The moment hits without warning. A furious storm comes and the boat is covered by waves.
The title is the spoiler. We know the end of the account: “Jesus calms the storm”. We cry out to the disciples “Relax disciples, relax. Jesus has it covered. One word, one touch and miracles happen. Jesus calms the storm.”
They wake Jesus in a frantic panic. “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” Fishermen in a panic. Fearful they will drown. It must have been some storm.
Jesus responds, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
Matthew 8:26a
‘of little faith’ I love what this means: incredulous, showing unbelief, unable to believe something because it is very surprising or shocking, lacking confidence in Christ.
The disciples were moved according to their natural knowledge, experience and ability. They knew they were going to drown.
Jesus was never moved according to the natural. He lived according to faith. He invites us to do the same.
What ‘without warning’ moments have hit your life?
What situations have risen up out of the blue?
What has happened that makes you feel like you are about to drown?
Live according to the spoilers
The spoiler influences how we perceive the story. We weren’t fearful for the disciples as we read the account. We knew Jesus speaks and calms the storm.
Your Father has written so many spoilers over your life.
Spoilers that help you handle the ‘without warning’ moments of life. Don’t be fearful. We know the end. Spoilers indicate what happens when God speaks over your situation. Live according to the spoiler.
I encourage you today: remind yourself of the spoilers over your life.
For nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 NIV
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength .
Phil 4:13 NIV
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 NKJV
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Rom 8:37 NKJV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jer 29:11 NIV
Let the titles frame your story
Just like the title that was written over the top of the account of the disciples in the boat with Jesus, let’s write the titles over our life. Write them in bold.
Perceive the ‘without warning’ moments of your life through these titles.
Storms just bring depth to your story. They are not the end of your story.
Live without fear. Live by faith. Allow the title to frame your story.
