The storm passages in the Scriptures always seem to capture our attention. I think the reason is that we all can identify with them; we all know what it is like to go through a storm. Honestly, some storms are brief; blowing around a few things like the chairs off the porch, blowing over the trash can or rattling the windows. Other storms interrupt our lives more by knocking out the power or damaging property, even destroying things we felt could stand the storm. Yet, the fact remains, life is filled with storms. Meteorologists estimate, that at any given moment, some 1,800 storms are in progress somewhere on the earth. It sounds like somebody somewhere is always in a storm.
The disciples of our Lord were facing a storm in Mark 6:45-52. It had been a tremendous day of blessing. Jesus had fed 5,000 (not counting women/children) with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Immediately afterward we find our text. There are some lessons we can learn from the storm.
One thing is the direction—in vs 45 it says, And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before Bethsaida, while he sent the multitude away. That word constrained has always bothered me. It sounds as though they didn’t want to go but He pressed them to leave. He knows what is best and He always has a plan. Did He not know there was a storm on the horizon? Of course, He did. He always knows but, at times, in His perfect plan and wisdom, He sends us into the path of the storm.
Also, notice the destination—the other side. Knowing full well what lay ahead for them He sent them across the sea. How did He know they could make it? He had declared it. They were GOING to the “other side” no matter what came their way. You may not feel like it right now, but YOU WILL GET THROUGH THE STORM. We so often feel shut in by our storms; so out of control and so confused, but always remember that He who commands the situation also controls the situation. Storms come to teach us, among other things, to trust Him.
Are you in the storm right now? Winds blowing; lightning flashing; waves crashing against your life, your home, and your mind? Thank God, there is the “other side” of the storm. There is the other side of a broken heart; there is the other side of pain; there is the other side of confusion; there is the other side of disappointment; there is the other side of desperation; there is the other side! We may, right now, still be on this side but, praise His wondrous name, there is the other side!! You WILL get through the storm to the “other side.”