Transcript
Matthew 14 records Jesus' disciples facing a contrary wind, while Jonah experienced a storm. Both caused a tempest, but had different purposes.
1. Storm: A Warning to Repent Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh, but he chose to flee to Tarshish. Because of his disobedience, God sent a great storm that almost destroyed the ship.
Jonah finally realized that the storm was related to his disobedience to God. He admitted his mistake and surrendered.
This story teaches that sometimes storms in life happen because of our own choice to stray from God's will. Therefore, when facing a storm, we need to introspect: is there anything we need to settle before God? If so, repentance and returning to God is the path we must take.
2. Contrary Wind: Testing and Strengthening Faith Unlike Jonah, the disciples experienced a contrary wind precisely when they were obedient to Jesus' command. Jesus Himself told them to get into the boat and cross over.
However, in the middle of their journey, they were struck by a storm.
This means that being in God's will does not always mean a life without problems. There are storms that God allows not to punish, but to test and strengthen our faith.
In the midst of the storm, Jesus came walking on the water. Peter even experienced the miracle of walking on water when he looked at Jesus.
So, a contrary wind can be a place where God demonstrates His power and leads us to know Him more deeply.
3. Contrary Wind: A Stepping Stone to Blessing John 6:21 records that after Jesus got into the boat, immediately the boat reached the shore they were heading for.
What previously seemed like an obstacle turned out to be part of the journey towards the destination.
Like Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia who had difficulty paying rent, their limitations eventually gave birth to the idea of Airbnb. The problems they faced became a stepping stone to something bigger.
Likewise in our lives. God can use problems with work, economy, visas, health, or family as a way to blessings we never imagined.
If it's a storm, repent.
If it's a contrary wind, keep believing.
For God has the power to use every storm to bring us to His purpose.
God bless you.
