Life can change in a moment. Blue skies one moment and storm clouds the next. We must recognize that in each moment He is still God and He is enough. He is always sufficient. Abundantly so.
Experiencing Scarcity
In Mark’s gospel, chapter 6 we read the account of what happened when the disciples were faced with scarcity and storm. The disciples were on the hillside with Jesus. People from various walks of life had traveled to hear this One sent from God. All were hungry to hear the truth from this Master Teacher. The morning lengthened into afternoon and soon the disciples were encouraging Jesus to send the people away to eat the evening meal.
Much to the astonishment of the disciples Jesus turned to them and said, “You feed them.” They looked at each other with perplexity and said, “With what?” It would take months for us to earn enough food to feed this crowd.” Jesus knew they had nothing in which to feed them. However, Jesus wanted them to realize that sufficiency came through God.
With confidence Jesus directed the next moments. The people, five thousand plus, were sat down on the hillside. A boy’s small lunch was blessed and broken. Furthermore, these five small loaves and two fish were multiplied repeatedly until all were filled. There was enough. Abundantly enough. More than enough.
As as the disciples gathered up the leftovers, they must have marveled. There were twelve baskets full when before there was only one small lunch. It was a miracle of wondrous proportions. Jesus had fed the hungry people. Moreover, he had fed the hungry hearts.
It was after this incident, that Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake. When they demurred, Jesus insisted. He then sent the people away and went up into the mountain to talk to His Father.
Facing the Storm
Meanwhile, the disciples were in the boat. Life had changed. A storm had arisen. These hardened fisherman were worried. Furthermore, they feared for their life. Death seemed imminent. They had never seen a storm such as this. Everything they tried was futile against the fierce elements of the storm.
It was into this storm that Jesus had insisted they go. He had known they would face the storm. Jesus wanted them to realize that no matter the circumstance He was still enough. Likewise, when we are in a storm, Jesus knows. It is not a thoughtless circumstance that we encounter. Jesus knows and has a purpose for the tempest we experience. Furthermore, Jesus will always show up in our storm.
Jesus saw the disciples and went down the mountain. He walked out on to the water to meet them. The fierce winds and boisterous waves swirled about him. Jesus approached the tossing boat. His disciples were frantically trying to keep the boat upright. It was just a glimpse they had, but that glimpse in the middle of the turbulent waves was enough to bring a further sense of panic.
Have you been there? In the storm with the waves of circumstance hammering against your life? When what you are doing just isn’t enough to make a difference and there is no way out of your storm? Then the panic of another situation all but envelops you. In those moments listen closely. He still calls out. Jesus still comes.
Encountering Jesus
Through the swirling waters and fierce gale, the words of Jesus reached the ears of the terrified, panic-stricken disciples.
“Don’t be afraid! Take courage. I am here!”
It was a command and an encouragement. Moreover, it was an encounter with Jesus. An encounter that brought sufficiency. Even in the storm, they found Jesus to be faithful. Jesus entered the boat. Simultaneously, the storm stopped. The disciples were amazed. They still had not realized that Jesus was enough when faced with the lack in their own life.
The scarcity of food just hours before and the miracle of abundance had not yet impacted them with its significance. With Jesus, no matter the circumstance, whether blue skies or grey, there will always be enough. In our storm and in our scarcity Jesus will bring his sufficiency. When we find ourselves unable to go one He will be there.
Experiencing Sufficiency in the Storm
Jesus comes to us and reminds us not to be afraid. There will be storms. We will face dearth and insufficiency in and of ourselves. We won’t be enough, but Jesus. He still sees. Jesus knows. Furthermore, He comes. Jesus shows up in the midst of our storms. Moreover, it is when we are faced with our lack and insufficiency that God shows up more powerfully. It is in the storms and scarcity that we find He is enough. Jesus always brings abundance, sustenance and sufficiency. In Him we find sufficient grace.
If you are going through a storm, be reminded that Jesus is there walking the waves with you. No matter how fierce the storm that surrounds you Jesus will come. He will be enough. Jesus still says,
“Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.”
Listen to the message He brings then reach out in confident trust despite the magnitude of your storm. In spite of the tears and heartache you face, Jesus comes and wraps you close to his heart. Your lack and brokenness can be replaced with his sufficiency. Even in the middle of your storm, He remains faithful. In his coming there will be abundance and sufficient grace for you to go on. Middle of My Storm by the Clark family is an encouraging reminder that God will show up for us.
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