The Christ in your storm is the present-tense Christ.

“I am the true vine.” ( John 15:1 NASB).

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” ( John 14:6 NASB).

“I am the resurrection and the life.” ( John 11:25 NASB).

“I am the good shepherd.” ( John 10:11 NASB).

“I am the gate whoever enters through me will be saved.” ( John 10:9 NIV).

“I am the Light of the world.” ( John 8:12 NASB).

“I am the bread of life.” ( John 6:48 NASB).Determined to say it often enough and loud enough to get our attention, Christ chorused: Double-dog daring his enemies to prove him otherwise, Jesus declared, “Before Abraham was born, I am” ( John 8:58 NASB). Speaking from a burning bush to a knee-knocking Moses, God announced, “I AM WHO I AM” ( Exodus 3:14 NASB). The literal translation of what Jesus said is “I AM don’t be afraid.” I AM is God’s name. He says to us what he said to the disciples: “It is I don’t be afraid” (v. “They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water…” ( John 6:19 NIV).īefore Jesus stills the storms, he comes to us in the midst of our storms. And it sometimes seems they will never end. You might pursue good health, but still face a pandemic. You may attempt to restore a rebellious child, but you can’t be sure you’ll succeed. You may desire to save a marriage, but you have just one of two required votes. Just as we have no authority over the squalls of nature, we have no authority over the squalls of life. Have you ever encountered a dangerous, ominous, seemingly godforsaken storm? Too far from the shore. They were too far from the shore, too long in the struggle, and too small against the waves.Īnd Jesus was nowhere to be seen. This was a backbreaking, boat-bouncing, terror-stirring push and pull of the oars. Consequently, this moment had all the elements of a crisis. But he was not in the boat, and he had told them to cross the water ( Matthew 14:22). If only Jesus had told them to stay on the shore. If only Jesus were with them in the boat. Their skin was soaked, throats hoarse, eyes wide. The hearts of the followers began to sink as their boat was certain to do. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. John’s gospel tells us that one night, when evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. At one point or another, the sky will darken, the winds will rage, and we will find ourselves in a modern-day version of the Galilean gusher.

I am special max lucado