Jesus ordered his disciples into a boat that was headed for a collision. The Bible said, “Jesus made His disciples get into the boat” (Matthew 14:22) — which was headed for troubled waters. It would be tossed about like a bobbing cork and Jesus knew it all along.
Where was Jesus? Up in the mountains overlooking that sea, praying for the disciples that they would not fail the test he knew they must go through. The boat trip, the storm, the tossing waves, the winds were all part of a trial the Father had planned. The disciples were about to learn the greatest lesson they would ever learn: how to recognize Jesus in the storm.
Up to this point, they recognized Jesus as the miracle worker, the Man who turned loaves and fishes into miracle food. They recognized him as the friend of sinners and the supplier of their needs. They even recognized him as the Son of God and the one who taught them how to pray, to forgive, and to bind and loose. But those who thought they really knew Jesus best did not recognize him when the storm hit.
That is the root of many problems today. We trust Jesus for miracles, believe him for our salvation, and look to him to supply our needs, but when it seems like everything is falling apart, we are never quite sure he is nearby.
“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear” (Matthew 14:24-26). Here is the danger we all face — not being able to see Jesus in our troubles.
Jesus always draws near to us to reveal himself as the Savior in storms. He wants you to trust him in every storm of your life. That is what the presence of Jesus is all about!