Life is often described as a series of storms, each varying in duration and intensity. Trusting Jesus amidst these storms can sometimes feel challenging. One common storm that many struggle with is uncertainty. Uncertainty manifests in several aspects of life: career changes, health issues, financial instability, or relationship turmoil. This storm is characterized by the anxiety and fear of the unknown. It’s the feeling of standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure whether you’ll find solid ground or a deep abyss below. In these moments, trusting Jesus can seem like an insurmountable task.
In this weekend’s Gospel, we see the disciples facing a literal storm on the Sea of Galilee. They were terrified as the waves crashed over their boat, and despite Jesus being with them, their fear overshadowed their faith. Jesus, however, calmed the storm with a simple command, reminding them—and us—that he is in control, even when the situation seems dire.
The storm of uncertainty challenges our trust in Jesus because it confronts our desire for control and predictability. We like to know what’s coming next—to have a plan and a clear path. When that’s stripped away, we’re left vulnerable, facing the unknown. It’s in this vulnerability that Jesus invites us to trust him more deeply. Trusting Jesus in the storm of uncertainty means surrendering our fears and anxieties to him. It means believing that he is in control and that his plans for us are good, even when we can’t see the outcome. It involves daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, decisions to lean on his promises rather than our understanding.
The storm of uncertainty can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. As we learn to trust Jesus more fully, we find peace that exceeds our circumstances. We discover that, even in the darkest times, his presence is our anchor, and his love is our refuge.
