The Perfect Storm...
Updated: Sep 19, 2022
It is these times in our lives that we call “STORMS”. Storms that maybe don’t fit any category that would describe the disturbance its causes. This is a storm that
we wish to talk about for this article. That storm is called the “Perfect Storm”. It can be described as a violent disturbance within the atmosphere that usually starts with strong winds and rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. When a storm is brewing, we usually pay attention to its movement and try to find out how it will affect our day. A storm has a disruptive sound and usually, it will get our attention. There are many types of storms that we have seen in our lives. Each one will carry with it a different reaction to how it's going to change our day.
In this article, let are talking about a “Perfect Storm” and asking the question, “Is there a PERFECT STORM?” I know the phrase “perfect storm” has been heard at one time or another but why is a storm called perfect? One may instantly refer to the movie “The Perfect Storm”, but let’s not focus on the movie and deal with the possibilities that this phrase may provide when dealing with our walk in Christ as true believers.
A “perfect storm” describes an event where a rare combination of circumstances aggravate a situation drastically.
For the sake of this subject matter, let’s assign this as another one of those B.U.G.S. (Being Under The Grip Of Satan). It may be unusual for you to follow this thought but stay with me for a moment, it will become clear where this storm will lead.
If a “Perfect Storm” had to be described in the life of a true believer, one would have to really be transparent for a moment. Let’s talk about some circumstances that may make up a “Perfect Storm” in our Christian walk.
The instances listed below may meet these criterias:
Waking up not knowing if you really want to continue in your faith because of the bad circumstances you are experiencing
Feeling out of place in your own church because of the targeted gossip and slander
Being overlooked and crushed by heartless behavior
Feeling abused by the one person you truly love
Betrayed by your best friend or rather you thought was your best friend and confidant
Family turning against you simply because you are a believer in Christ
Overwhelmed by the feeling of hate from those you trusted in God
The unexpected tragedy that is more than you can bare
Disappointment and hurt from your church leaders
Feeling you can’t really feel God let alone trust Him
Questions you need answers to have no answers
Your heart hurts and feels broken
You have lost the desire to live
Your pain seems to grow more each day with no relief
You feel that no one is listening to your cry for help
You are experiencing those times that you never expect things to go haywire just when you are enjoying life
Things are happening around you one after another with no rhyme or reason that shakes your faith
All of these factors may in many instances have the “Perfect” ingredients for that “Perfect Storm”. A storm many of us really don’t want to experience when things are going so well in our lives. Remember this is one of those B.U.G.S. (Being Under The Grip Of Satan). It is not so much the storm but the lack of faith that causes us to experience more turbulence from a storm (trouble). If Satan can get us to question our faith in the midst of a storm, then we will become more fearful of the circumstances that that storm may cause.
Let’s look at the story of Jesus walking on water. We all know the story but do we really understand the significance of walking on water? The body of water in which this event took place is called the Sea of Galilee. This body of water had the ingredients of a “Perfect Storm”. What exactly do I mean? This body of water was located in an area that had the capability of rising to at least 4000 feet above sea level. It was this body of water that was known for being very susceptible to sudden and violent storms. These storms had the same characteristics as the “Perfect Storm”. It was the sudden rushing of the cold air that collided with the warm air which produced the storm no one was expecting.
It was the unexpected occurrence of a violent storm that shook the boat and they were very afraid. You see, they were only supposed to go a short distance on the water but it was during this short distance that the waters began to become rough with the storm that was brewing. This storm had driven the disciples out into the sea. This I would call a “Perfect Storm”. They didn’t understand how or why the storm had driven them so far and they were afraid. But Jesus appeared walking on water in the midst of the storm.
Matthew 14:24-25 states, “but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.“
The boat the disciples were traveling on was hard to control because of the storm. The storm, which they did not expect, was violent and tossed them to and fro. They had become totally exhausted trying to guide the boat through the storm. Mind you Jesus was resting and sound asleep during all of the violent movement of the storm. Even the professional fishermen were afraid of the violent storm they were experiencing.
It is important to note again that Jesus was asleep in the same boat that they (the disciples) were trying so hard to control. The violence of the storm was not enough to awake Jesus from His peaceful rest.
Mark 4: 37-38 states, “37 And a great windstorm arose
, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Jesus came to them to let them know that they should not be afraid and that He would calm the storm. And He also rebuked them for not having faith.
Even though we go through those events in our lives that are unexpected and out of our control, we have the “Perfect” solution to the violent and destructive behavior of that storm. Jesus! He comes to us in the midst of our “Perfect Storm”. All the ingredients that are needed for that “Perfect Storm” sometimes fall into place just to test your faith in Jesus. Will we give up from exhaustion or look toward Him (Jesus) who walks on water in the midst of the storm and commands it to cease?
Again, understand that the “Perfect Storms” in our lives are there as roads leading us to totally depend on Jesus. He will come just when you need Him. No matter how perfect, circumstances will arise that develop into a strong and violent storm. So you see the “Perfect Storm” sets in place the steps for Jesus to show you exactly who He is. There is no need to fear or give up in the midst of a storm. Jesus will always calm the storm under His feet.
Thank you for listening…
Prayerfully Submitted (An Unfinished Story)
Evang. Debbie Watkins
Disclaimer* These posts are not in any way posted based on expert input. My expertise comes from LIVING LIFE in the CHURCH. Please read with an open mind, attitude, and heart. Thank you.
