As we have now crossed from 2021 to 2022, we’ve hit another wave in our raging storm with Covid: data running wild, people under further restrictions, the economy yet again impacted, and the list goes on. In Mark 4, Jesus said to His disciples ‘let’s go over to the other side’ (NASB), and what happened is that in their crossing over, they hit a storm. Let’s learn what this story can teach us as we face storms in our own lives: 

1. It was unforeseen and unprecedented. Who could have foreseen this storm? But remember that in unprecedented times, there is an unprecedented God who is able to deal with any unprecedented situations that we may be facing. 

2. They were right in God’s will. They were obeying what Jesus asked them to do, going over to the other side. Being in God’s will doesn’t immunise us from the storms of life – if anything, it can even activate them as the enemy’s strategy is only to steal, kill, and destroy. 

3. It was not just a physical storm but an emotional storm. They were afraid. This pandemic is more than physical; it’s also a pandemic of fear that is paralysing many today. Let’s remember the declaration of God’s word: ‘Love casts out all fear’ (see 1 John 4:18). And if God lives within us, who can be against us? However, it does not mean that we can do what we want. Let’s make sure that we all continue to adhere to the ongoing updates to keep us safe. 

4. As they panicked in their raging storm, facing tragic circumstances of possible drowning, Jesus Himself was asleep – why? Well, what is within you determines the outcome of any situation that you face. Not only did Jesus have peace within Him, but He is the Prince of Peace, able to release manifested peace in any chaotic situation. Therefore, let’s release the Prince of Peace through us to manifest Himself in our storms today. 

5. They had forgotten the word that Jesus had given them: ‘Let’s go over to the other side.’ He never said ‘Let’s go UNDER!’ Let us make sure that when Jesus commands us to do something, we get hold of His Word to the letter and stand upon it, for unexpected storms could hit us at any time. 

6. Jesus spoke to natural elements. Don’t you think that Jesus can do it again? Of course He can. Right now you can call upon Him in whatever situation you are facing. 

7. Jesus said ‘Peace, be still’ (Mark 4:39 KJV). This suggests, in other words, that peace was on the move. Peace will always seek turbulence, for it is in turbulent times that peace has the most effect. As we face this raging pandemic storm, or whatever storms we may find ourselves in, let’s be reminded that the Prince of Peace can do ‘exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us’ (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

8. The disciples were then terrified by the very one who brought peace in their chaos. Sometimes our fears are directed at the wrong things. Let’s put healthy fear in the right thing, in fact in the right person – our Lord Jesus Christ!! 

9. The disciples made it through to the other side, just as Jesus said. So will we, and let’s use this challenging time to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, ready for what He has in store for us in 2022. 

In conclusion, the disciples were totally surprised to meet this unprecedented storm as they were crossing over to the other side. Let’s remind ourselves that Jesus wasn’t surprised at all by the storm that they were facing. He was totally aware and in control of the situation. Therefore, let’s put our trust in Him in this chaotic world that we are facing. As we have now crossed into 2022, let us expect the Prince of Peace to manifest Himself in whatever raging storms we may be facing right now or in months to come, and let’s believe that 2022 will be a victorious year in every way. Have a blessed 2022!