Consider the moment of Matthew 14:22-23. After a long day of teaching and being with the multitude, Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship. He sent them ahead to the other side of the sea. In the meantime, Jesus went to a high place overlooking their journey across the water. As this incarnate God, Emmanuel is watching, the boat is caught in a tempest. The sea rages and the disciples are tossed by the waves. The Bible states, “for the wind was contrary.” It was an impossible situation even for these seaworthy men.
Knowing all things and all things given into His hand can be a disconcerting thought. Why would the Lord send them into a storm? Why would He constrain them to enter a boat destined for trouble? The thought is far greater than Matthew 14. Threads of this same inquiry have existed for centuries. Jesus knows our limitations, the future, the coming conflict and yet He allows us to enter the raging sea.
The old preacher once broached the subject when he said, “The Lord will send us into a place where only He can come to the rescue.” The toiling in the night was part of the process. And while there are times when reasons for our trouble are not known, or are cloudy at best, the process always includes trusting God in every situation.
My solace is that regardless of where I am, Jesus is watching over me. He knows the way that I take, and yet, He may send me into the fire.
1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
The Trial of Your Faith is the common thread that binds us together, regardless of the age or dispensation. We will all be tested by the sea. Though the tempest is certain, so too is the salvation of the Lord. He sends us through it and rescues us from it according to His own Will.
My response to the sea must be: Psa 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
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