When God Seems Asleep

Sometimes in a scary storm of life, God might appear to be sleeping. Waves flood our boat and our cries for help seem to go unanswered. My own stormy cancer battle was very scary and the Lord felt a million miles away. Certainly the disciples felt the same during that particularly stormy day when Jesus was literally sleeping in their boat!

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”– Matthew 8:23-27

Certainly Jesus was getting soaked, yet still slept. The disciple’s initial screams didn’t wake Him either. This demonstrates the amazing depth of Jesus’ peace. It gives me fresh perspective on one of His final promises to us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”

Peace which surpasses all understanding
Wouldn’t you love to have Jesus’ peace? He never got worried. He never panicked. Well, if you have received Him as your Savior (more on how here), He now lives inside of you and He offers His peace to us in difficult times! Sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes He calms the child, and sometimes He does both! Maybe He seems to be asleep so that He can share His peace!

Jesus proved to the disciples He had absolute power over the winds and the sea. If you’re struggling through your cancer battle or other storm, turn your full attention on Him. He promises to provide His power, faith and peace.