Stepping Into the Storm

You arrive at home after a rough day.  You feel tired, worn, exhausted.  When you have a second to refocus your thoughts, you realize that it is only Monday, and you still have obligations that need to be fulfilled tonight.  You see that there are bills on your table that need to be paid, floors that need to be cleaned, and dishes that need to be done...you just don't know how you can do it.  Your whole world just seems to keep piling on itself...you can almost feel Satan bashing all your worries into your mind.  You have family concerns that frighten you, work problems that drain you, and relationships (or lack there of) that test you.  You close your eyes and are almost about to break out into tears.

...then you hear waves. 

You open your eyes, and you're on a boat alone.  The waves of your troubles are crashing into you, pushing you around inside your little modem of comfort.  The rain is pouring, and wind is roaring.  You begin to think to yourself "There is no way I can do this alone.  I am going to crash, I am going to drown, I am going to die." 

Then you see...ever so faintly...a man in the water.  He is unaffected by the waves and the rain.  You can still hear your individual concerns within those waves, but this man appears to disregard each wave that attempts to crash into him.  He stands and stares at you, and finally you hear him say "Come."

The voices in those waves become louder, making your very being shudder almost violently.  You continue to listen to those voices in the waves, and continue to pull yourself deeper into the boat to hide yourself from all that is around you.

Again, you hear the gentle tone in the word "Come."  As your being becomes aware of the source of that word, your focus draws away from the mockings of your struggles.  You stand tall in the midst of your storm, and stare at the face of Jesus.  Upon his face is one that would welcome even a child through winds of a hurricane.  You can feel the depth of His love through his gentle gaze into your soul.  You feel His compassion overwhelm you.  The storm still brews, and the waves are still thrashing. 

A third time, you hear Jesus tell you, "Come" as He raises His hands toward you, waiting for you to come and hold them.  As the thought crosses your mind to step out of the boat, the winds blow you over.  You stand again and see Jesus still waiting for you.  This time, you attempt to step out of the boat and stand on the water. 

You did it...but did not form a firm foundation on the water.  Suddenly a wave comes and thrashes you backwards into the boat.  You feel defeated, and curl up as the waves begin to thrash over you more violently.  The voices return within the waves, mocking you for not being strong enough.  Your spiritual being is crushed.  You almost give in to everything wearing you down, and jump overboard to escape it all. 

Then you hear a voice that almost caresses your inner being speak these words..."I Am.  I was, I still am, and I always will be.  Apart from me, you can't do anything.  With me, there is nothing you can't do."  His gaze is so welcoming and gentle to you.  Again, He says "Come."

This time, you step out of the boat and stand firm in the waves.  The wind roars, but you are unmoved.  Your glance is set straight on Jesus.  The volume of your worries begins to increase greatly, but you hear Jesus begin to speak softly and gently at the same time. 

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." 
"My peace I give to you."
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."

You focus on these words as you continue to take your steps away from the boat.  Through the howls of the storm, you still manage to focus on these comforting words of Jesus, no matter how faint it may seem.  Closer and closer you get to Jesus, when finally you are face to face with Him.  You reach out and hold His hands as He pulls you closer.  He holds you in an embrace that could calm any storm.