Copyright © 2013

by Striving Together Publications. All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version. Special emphasis in verses is added.

First published in 2013 by Striving Together Publications, a ministry of Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, CA 93535. Striving Together Publications is committed to providing tried, trusted, and proven resources that will further equip local churches to carry out the Great Commission. Your comments and suggestions are valued.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in printed reviews.

Striving Together Publications

4020 E. Lancaster Blvd.

Lancaster, CA 93535

800.201.7748

www.strivingtogether.com

Cover design by Andrew Hutchens

Layout by Craig Parker

Edited by Monica Bass

Special thanks to our proofreaders

The author and publication team have put forth every effort to give proper credit to quotes and thoughts that are not original with the author. It is not our intent to claim originality with any quote or thought that could not readily be tied to an original source.

ISBN 978-1-59894-232-3

eISBN 978-1-59894-239-2

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Introduction

Part One: Set the Sails

Chapter One: Why Launch?

Chapter Two: Faith Never Makes Sense

Chapter Three: At Thy Word, I Will

Part Two: Weather the Storms

Chapter Four: Storms Are Real

Chapter Five: Lord, Do You Care?

Chapter Six: Our Refuge and Strength

Conclusion: The Other Side

INTRODUCTION

Meet Peter: rugged, strong, skilled, impetuous, perceptive, determined—a born leader. And yet, for all his qualities, he was just a common fisherman.

Common as Peter was, Jesus saw him as an individual, and He offered to do something great through this ordinary fisherman. In fact, Peter’s life was dramatically changed the day that Jesus entered his boat. From that day on, Peter was no mere fisherman; he was a fisher of men.

Not surprisingly, two of the most poignant moments with Christ in Peter’s life took place in a boat.

Once was when Jesus instructed Peter to “launch out”—even though there was no reason to do so and there was every reason not to do so.

Another was when Peter found himself in a boat with Christ on a storm-tossed sea. The storm was so fierce that Peter believed it would claim his life.

From these two scenarios in Peter’s life, we learn two vital lessons as disciples of Christ: to launch out and to trust the Saviour through the storms. In both cases, we discover the power of God’s Word, the joy of obedience, and the peace that can only come by being in the presence of Jesus.

PART ONE

Set the Sails

Peter knelt by the shore as he washed the seaweed from his nets. He was a common man with a common occupation. His hands were calloused, and his skin was weathered. He knew his trade and worked it skillfully.

James and John, Peter’s partners, worked in rhythm nearby. The night had been long and fruitless. The men were exhausted and ready to find some rest.

Suddenly, Peter heard his name. “Simon, may I use your ship?”

Willing to assist Jesus, Peter left his net and resumed his seat in the fishing boat. He nudged it away from the shore and listened as Jesus’ voice now projected across the Sea of Galilee as He taught the rich truths of Scripture to multitudes on the bank.

Jesus finished His message and turned once again to Peter. His request this time was astounding: “Launch out into the deep.”

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.—Luke 5:1–11

CHAPTER ONE

Why Launch?

It was a well-known fact that in the Sea of Galilee you caught fish under two conditions: at night and in shallow water—not in full daylight in deep water. Peter could obey Jesus and launch out, or he could follow his senses and decline. Peter didn’t know it, but his choice in that moment—to launch or not to launch—would be the pivotal point for the rest of his life.

One choice—a changed purpose

A single act of obedience to Christ’s command can indeed change the course of a life. Peter’s decision and the miracle that followed had a further-reaching impact than Peter could have dreamed. When Peter chose to place his faith in the powerful Word of God, his life would never be the same.

That day, Peter saw Jesus do something miraculous. In the coming days, Peter and other Galilean fishermen turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

You and I likewise have the opportunity to experience the miraculous power of God. We serve the same Jesus who spoke to Peter two thousand years ago. We have access to His written Word, and we have the promises of His faithfulness to back us. Why then do we experience a lack of spiritual fruitfulness? Why are we not more successful fishers of men? Why can we so often echo Peter’s comment, “Master, we have toiled all the night [by our methods, with the means that we know] and have taken nothing”?

Lack of resources is not our problem—we have the boat and net. There is no shortage of souls who need Christ—the sea is wide open and ready. But we sit on the dock attempting to catch fish in shallow waters.

Before anything great will be accomplished for Christ, we must make the decision to “launch out” at His command. Like Peter, our response to God’s Word will either invite or hinder His blessing and power in our lives.

Great things will only happen as we launch forward in our service to Christ. Without Spirit-led, Spirit-filled action, our lives and ministries will become spiritually stagnant. Like Peter’s disappointing night of fishing, our attempts to serve the Lord in our strength will yield empty nets every time. As we heed Christ’s commands, however, we will experience miracles made possible only by the hand of God.

Are you ready to see miracles? You have to launch out.

Get out of the shallows

Perhaps our greatest obstacle to seeing the miraculous power of God is our own apathy. We generally do what we want to do. And most of us don’t want to leave our comfort zone.

In today’s accommodating culture, we are willing to dabble in service for the Lord—we may even wade out a bit further than the Christian next to us—but we insist on staying near the shore. It’s one thing to receive Jesus as your Saviour; it’s another to wholeheartedly follow Him as a disciple.

Moving into deep water requires a full commitment. It means you weigh anchor and set your sails to catch the wind. It means you leave the shallows behind—fully surrendered to the directions of the Captain.

In the murky waters of shallow Christianity we lose focus; we forget that the very purpose of ministry is to preach the gospel.

In the shallows, we’re often busy, and we generate a full array of programs. But we don’t catch fish! Our ministries become more about service than about reaching lost men and women with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

According to the Barna Group, a nationwide research organization, three out of four Christians in the United States (74 percent) will share their faith only through “lifestyle evangelism”[1]—an approach void of direct, verbal witness to the lost around them. Only 30 percent (less than one-third) said they personally share the plan of salvation with someone else on a regular basis.[2] With statistics like these, is it any wonder that American Christians are stagnant and cold, with little spark of revival?

A similar survey examining a spiritually stagnant America tracked a decade of declining statistics in American Christians’ Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance. From the 45 percent in 1991 who stated they read their Bibles outside church to 37 percent in 2001, these numbers should serve as a splash of cold water to some fast-asleep Christians.[3]

Content with the status quo, some will sit on the dock and look out over the water, offering only complaints when our nation turns from God.

We can lament the state of our nation and the multitudes of lost people around us, or we can roll up our sleeves, hoist the sails, and launch out into the deep.

1. Barna Group, “Survey Shows How Christians Share Their Faith,” January 31, 2005, http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/186-survey-shows-how-christians-share-their-faith.

2. Barna Group, “Religious Beliefs Vary Widely By Denomination,” June 25, 2001, http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/53-religious-beliefs-vary-widely-by-denomination.

3. Barna Group, “Annual Study Reveals America Is Spiritually Stagnant,” March 5, 2001, http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/37-annual-study-reveals-america-is-spiritually-stagnant.

CHAPTER TWO

Faith Never Makes Sense

Initially, Peter responded to Jesus’ command as you and I would have done—with logic. “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing.”

I can imagine Peter’s thoughts behind those words. Jesus, really? You’re great at carpentry, and You’re a marvelous preacher, but how about we leave the fishing decisions to me? This is my specialty.

Peter had already toiled all night. He knew his work—he was a master fisherman. What Jesus had just asked him to do was contrary to all his training and experience.

Even so, Peter made a watershed decision: “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”

I see a pattern repeated throughout Scripture: God often doesn’t intervene until the task is humanly impossible because God loves impossible odds.

Remember Gideon? “And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me” (Judges 7:2). Gideon experienced the truth that faith does not operate in the realm of the possible.

George Müller said it well: “There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

Would you like to launch out? Recognize that what Jesus calls us to do—whether it is witnessing, giving, serving, forgiving, or emptying ourselves of self—is always in exact opposition to human reasoning. But discipleship is not a life of logic or reasoning; it is a life of faith.

How launching increases our faith

Anytime we are willing to follow Christ into deep, unfamiliar waters, we will have closer fellowship with Him. This simply comes out of the complete reliance upon Him to meet our every need and guide us in our way. When the only answer to a problem is dependence on God, we tend to listen to Him more closely and spend time with Him more often.

As we launch out in sharing the gospel, giving of our time and resources, and humbling ourselves to serve others, our growth becomes deeper than that of a Christian who insists upon sitting on the dock. Out on the deep water, we learn how to trust and how to pray. Those who launch out quickly learn that God accomplishes great things with a life wholly lived by faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

The Lord knows our limitations. He knew Peter’s fatigue, his doubt, his needs. John 2:24 tells us of Christ, “…he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” Before we argue with Christ, we should try trusting Him! As the omniscient God, He knows us better than we know ourselves.

When we launch with the little faith we have, we find ourselves in a position to need more faith. We look to Christ, and our faith increases. God rewards our faith, and our faith multiplies. And then Christ calls us to launch out further. Once again, we launch with the faith we have, we depend on Christ, our faith increases…. It’s a wonderful, faith-building cycle.

The threshold of a launch

When Christ saw a need, He acted. He was willing not only to condescend to come to earth, but to interact with sinful, flawed humanity. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”(John 1:14).

When Jesus asked to sit in Peter’s boat, the boat wasn’t freshly scoured. It was used and smelly. Peter himself had been working with fishing equipment all night and probably didn’t smell like a rose. But Jesus cared about people more than He cared about comfort.

Jesus didn’t target His ministry at the upper class—those who would cause Him the least discomfort. He reached out to the needy. He—God in the flesh—entered the environment of a fisherman.

If we are to launch out as fishers of men, we must also be willing to humble ourselves. No real ministry will take place in your life or mine until we cross the threshold of humility. We must obey the instruction of Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

The greatest opportunities for ministry are often, humanly speaking, the most distasteful. Serving in inner cities, seeking out wounded souls, and ministering to shattered lives isn’t always easy, nor is it comfortable. But it is fruitful.

James 4:10 directs us, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Jesus condescended to our low estate so that every person might have an opportunity to be saved. May gratitude for His unspeakable gift compel us to likewise serve with humility.

It may not make sense while we’re sitting on the dock, but releasing our pride and launching out by faith proves to be the best investment we could ever make with our boats.

CHAPTER THREE

At Thy Word, I Will

The phrase in Luke 5 that grabs me every time I read it is Peter’s statement, “At thy word I will.”

Peter knew every reason—and they were good ones—not to obey Jesus. But under the direct command of Jesus, Peter turned from his logic and staked everything on Jesus’ word.

Peter’s obedience to Christ wasn’t the reckless abandon that our culture lauds. It wasn’t the result of throwing logic to the wind and following his own inner dreams.

Peter’s decision to launch out was purposed obedience. It was the result of a man who had unmistakably heard Christ’s command and reckoned God’s power to be greater than his limitations.

How do we develop this level of faith? How do we know when and where to launch out? Romans 10:17 provides a clear answer: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Do you hear God’s Word? Do you read it, study it, memorize it, hear it preached?

A casual observer might conclude that ministry in the twenty-first century has advanced beyond the Word of God. We give such attention to social media, critics, the Internet, talk shows, popular opinion, and best-selling books that we sometimes neglect the only source we really need—the Word of God.

“At thy word” was the stake on which Peter hung his decision to launch out. It was the reel on which he was willing to weigh anchor.

We must believe and act on the truth that our God can do anything but fail. Trust in this truth will enable us to stay the course, no matter the circumstances or distractions swirling about us.

Prepare for a miracle

When Peter launched out, he didn’t leave his half-washed nets on the shore. He brought them with him and, once in the deep, let the nets down “for a draught.” Launching out was only the first half of Jesus’ command. Letting down the nets was just as important.

We can go through motions of obedience, but if we don’t believe that our Lord “is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6), we don’t have real faith.

Even after the initial launch, our faith may falter. Satan has two primary tactics for neutralizing our obedience to Christ: discouragement and fear. If he can snag us by either method, we will forsake our faith and return to human reasoning.

Christians who set out for the deep but then lose their forward momentum for Christ become confused in their walk with God. They don’t realize it, but the fisher-of-men navigation system is only programmed to work by faith; it freezes when confronted by fear. It is at these times that we must obey Christ’s word, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).

Remember, it’s not about more boats

If you didn’t already know this story, you might guess that when Peter saw the “great multitude of fishes” in his net, he let out a great shout and eagerly calculated his new wealth. He might make quick calculations of how quickly he could purchase more boats and hire more helpers.

On the contrary, Peter’s response was startling: “he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished.”

Peter was overwhelmed that God would use him. Warren Wiersbe says of this moment, “Peter was humbled, not by his night of failure but by his astounding success; this is a mark of real character. If success humbles you, then failure will build you up.”[1]

As Peter bowed in the presence of Jesus, the Lord brought it all together for Peter by saying, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”

Right then, something clicked in Peter’s mind. If Peter was unsure about his life purpose before this moment, he wasn’t now. No longer would he focus on business expansion. He wouldn’t be pricing new boats or scouting for more partners. From this moment forward, he would be a fisher of men. On behalf of Christ Himself, Peter would call people to their Saviour.

This is why we launch out! It is not for our glory or to fulfill our quest for adventure. We launch out to catch men—to connect hearts with the invitation of Christ. We launch out to preach the gospel—to tell broken, shattered people that there is salvation through the blood of Jesus.

Launching out isn’t about expanding our reputation or building our ego. It is a decision to live fully for the glory of God by leading lost souls to Christ.

Will you catch men?

Many Christians are eager to launch a new business, career, hobby, or relationship. But few are surrendered to launch out in response to Jesus’ command, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

Many Christians see the spiritual need surrounding them but few have the faith to take action. Many have access to God’s Word and sense the Holy Spirit’s prompting, yet not so many launch out at His Word.

Jesus is still calling His disciples to launch out and let down their nets for a draught. It is still possible to be part of a great work of God. It is still plausible that the Holy Spirit will bring revival to our spiritually darkened nation. It is still God’s will to use you in the salvation of others.

But you can only be a fisher of men if you will follow Christ with unrestrained commitment—if you will pull up your anchor and untie your rope from the dock.

Would you like to catch a draught of fish? Do you wonder how God might bless your obedience? The moment you launch out at His word, the possibilities become as endless as the horizon.

1. Warren W. Wiersbe, Expository Outlines on the New Testament (David C. Cook, 1992), 158.

PART TWO

Weather the Storms

As surely as you decide to launch out for the Lord, as surely as you hear His call to be a fisher of men, you will encounter storms.

Some storms are raised by the sheer forces of nature—the inevitable results of living in a fallen world. Other storms are stirred by Satan himself—he will do all he can to rock your boat and tip your faith.

As the saying goes, “Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.” And if there are any sailors who need skill, they are those who are fishers of men.

What do you do when the storm comes? Where do you turn when your boat is tossed and you wonder if you’ll ever see land again?

However fierce or long your storm rages, if Jesus is in your boat, all will be well.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?—Mark 4:35–41

CHAPTER FOUR

Storms Are Real

You can’t miss the urgency and passion with which Jesus carried out His ministry. Throughout His life on earth, He was busy about the Father’s business.

As early as twelve years of age, He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

And then throughout His ministry, He spoke in musts, conveying the urgency He felt to do the will of the Father. “I must preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

Jesus’ days were filled with serving, preaching, teaching, healing, instructing, loving, and giving of Himself. After one of many such days—this one having included preaching and casting out demons—the Lord said to His disciples, “Let us pass over to the other side.”

No challenge to the disciples was presented here. The Sea of Galilee is really an inland lake about six miles wide and twelve miles long. Several of Jesus’ disciples knew this lake like the backs of their hands. They were skilled sailors and were familiar with the Sea of Galilee in particular. A trip across its waters was no problem for them. Perhaps they even considered Jesus fortunate to have their skill on His team.

They were soon to learn, however, just how desperately they needed Him—even in the routine, easy aspects of life and ministry. In that trip across the Sea of Galilee, we learn decidedly helpful truths for those who want to launch out for the Lord and do “business in great waters.”

The disciples needed Jesus’ power, and so do we. Jesus Himself said so: “…for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Don’t assume a guarantee

To listen to many of the preachers of our day, you’d come to believe that the better Christian you are, the more prosperity you will experience in life. Some teach that God wants everyone happy, healthy, wealthy, and problem-free; and if that is not your experience, you must not be right with God.

I don’t think the storm-tossed disciples would have easily believed this philosophy. They knew firsthand that the presence of Jesus on board did not guarantee a smooth passage. In fact, the worst storms of their lives were endured when Jesus was in their vessel!

Throughout history, the servants of God who have been effective as fishers of men have endured heavy storms—some, like the one the disciples encountered, appeared as if they would leave no survivors. Those storms frequently have three common characteristics.

Sudden

Sometimes it seems that the most violent storms are also the most sudden. When we can see them coming, we have the chance to brace ourselves for the gale. We can “batten down the hatches” and give our focus to surviving the storm.

To be sure, predictable storms are difficult. Knowing your loved one is terminally ill doesn’t make death easier. Knowing your company is changing management doesn’t make the pink slip less of a burden.

But the storms that come without any warning at all seem to hit with double force. Their suddenness makes them that much more overwhelming.

The Sea of Galilee—often picturesque because of its smooth surface—can be whipped up into a squall with fierce speed. Generally, refreshing winds come in from the west off the Mediterranean Sea. But when the cold air comes off of Mount Hermon, and the dark clouds make their way to Galilee, no one on the sea is exempt from the fury.

The storm the disciples encountered with Jesus in the boat was such a storm. It came in so quickly and with such menace that skilled, commercial fishermen feared for their lives.

Several years ago, my extended family gathered for a family reunion in San Diego, California. My granddad chartered a fishing boat for us all to spend a day on the Pacific. While we were out, a storm came up that truly caused us to fear for our lives.

Hoping for assurance to pass on to the rest of the family, my granddad ventured to ask the captain, “Have you ever been in a storm like this?”

I’ll never forget the captain’s answer, “Si, señor…but in a much bigger boat.”

I would have given anything just then to be in that bigger boat!

The disciples would have given anything to be off the sea.

Unmerciful

The storm on the Sea of Galilee not only arose suddenly, but it raged without mercy: “the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.”

Relentless.

Cruel.

Incessant.

Storms show no respect of person. Sometimes they seem to come in waves of two and three. After the first icy blast, another hits. And then another.

Storms can fill your boat with water. They can so press on you and overwhelm your soul that you’re truly not sure you can continue.

Someone who is not in the storm might tell you to just keep your chin up and press on. But it’s when it’s your boat tossing that you sense the danger at a different level. Luke’s gospel records that “they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.”

Storms are perilous. They can bring despair, physical fragility, deep concern, and emotional or spiritual challenges that you can’t understand.

Perspective changers

When Jesus asked the disciples to go with Him to the other side, He knew what they were about to face. Why didn’t He wait, then, until the next day? Why allow terror into hearts and risk lives?

Perhaps because storms do for us what glassy seas cannot. They refocus our gaze on Christ, and they draw our purpose back into sync with God’s purpose.

Storms can change our ideas of strength in a moment. Where we once believed we were strong, we come to realize just how weak we are and how desperately we need God.

The moment in which we recognize our frailty can be painful, but it is also blessed. It realigns our perspective with reality.

The reality is that we are weak. We can’t make it on our own. We desperately need God—not just in the storm, but in every condition.

An untested faith is an unreliable faith. Thus God allows tests to our faith to bring our focus back to where it should remain: Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 tells us the only way we will finish our race with joy is by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

In this storm, Jesus took His disciples through a continuing education course in faith. He cleared their perspective from self-sufficiency to Christ-dependency.

Storms have always been the most effective perspective-changers in my life. In normal, uneventful days, I can become so focused on my to-do lists and project completion that the Lord has to shout to get my attention. But when the waves are rolling into my boat, I listen for the Lord’s still small voice, and I cling to every word. A paradox, isn’t it? When life is calmest, my spirit is busiest. But when life is filled with tumult, my spirit is most focused on the One who is my strength.

Storms may be sudden and unmerciful, but they do change our perspective—and that is a gift. They may be overwhelming to us, but they do have a purpose—they conform us to the image of Christ. Perhaps this is why Romans 8:28 is so loved by those who have reason to cling to the assurance of God’s purposes.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.—Romans 8:28–29

Of course, we don’t usually see what God is doing and the benefits He is giving us through the storm while the wind rages. Instead, we cry out to Him in confused terror…which is exactly what the disciples did.

CHAPTER FIVE

Lord, Do You Care?

The most shocking aspect of the storm on the Sea of Galilee was not the suddenness of the storm, but the poise of Jesus. While the disciples feared for their lives, Christ was sleeping.

Sleeping!

Resting in the calm assurance of the Father’s timetable, Jesus slept while the storm raged. He didn’t fear for His life or anyone else’s; He knew they were going to get to the other side.

But the disciples didn’t share Christ’s peace. “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

Conversations of question marks

When we are in trouble, why is our first line of reasoning an accusation against God? Why do we assume that the presence of a storm equals the absence of His care?

Don’t You love me, God? Do You know what is happening? Do You care what I’m facing?

Why do we get to the place of self-focus and self-pity so quickly? I’ve been there too many times. Most of our questions to the Lord in the storm hold a not-so-subtle accusation of His care. Lord, I’ve been working so hard for You. I’ve been faithful. Why this storm? Why me? Why now? Do You care?

In light of His promises toward us, these questions are silly. Sincere, heartfelt…but silly.

Of course He cares.

Somehow, we assume that if God really cared about us He wouldn’t allow the storm.

If there is one truth that we must understand about storms, it is that the presence of a storm does not signify the absence of God. Jesus is quite comfortable in storms. The storm in your life does not mean that God loves you any less; it means that He is doing a work in your life that is greater than your most prized experience—comfort.

Yes, Jesus allowed the storm, but don’t forget that He was still in the boat with the disciples! Isaiah 63:9 says of the Israelites as they trekked across the wilderness, “In all their affliction he was afflicted…and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”

Christ knows our storms and invites us to cast our burdens on Him, assuring us that He personally cares for us: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

So why do we question?

I believe we generally question God’s care because we have a different idea of His job description than He does. We want Him to do a removing job when He plans to do an improving job. When trials mount in my life, my prayers carry a common theme: “God, please remove the burdens!” But God has a different goal: He wants to conform me to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28–29).

First Peter 4:12–13 instructs, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Think it not strange. The storms may come suddenly, but we should not be surprised that they come. Remember, Jesus was in the same boat as the disciples. He experienced the storm with them. And we have His promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

When our minds are full of question marks, we should turn our worries into prayers.

Just ask

In the rawness of the moment, the disciples’ plea for help may not have been theologically sound, but at least they turned to the Lord! When we ask, God hears and answers.

The Psalmist rejoiced in knowing that God inclined His ear to his prayers: “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1). “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:2).

Like a father who listens for his child’s cry for help—not expecting it to be worded with maturity—our Heavenly Father strains to hear our earliest pleas for His intervention. Whether we ask in fear, doubt, or faith, Jesus still responds to His children.

One of the greatest promises in Scripture is James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” The opening If to this promise is almost comical in its graciousness. If we need wisdom? We always need wisdom! And all we have to do is ask.

God does instruct us, however, to ask in faith: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6–8). As our Heavenly Father, He wants us to approach Him with confidence—to come boldly. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Why do we accuse God of insensitivity when all we have to do is turn to Him and ask for help? We turn to Heaven and ask, “Why don’t You care, Lord?” when He has already told us He does care. We grip the sides of the boat and brace ourselves against towering waves when all we have to do is turn to Jesus.

And we can be sure of our Lord’s response—it will be compassionate, for He is faithful. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

CHAPTER SIX

Our Refuge and Strength

Jesus—resting in the storm—had a completely different perspective on the crashing waves than the disciples. A bit like the difference between the calmness of an attack dog’s owner and the one being attacked, Jesus knew the limits of the storm and had assurance in the Father’s full control.

The disciples didn’t share His assurance, however, so Jesus revealed His power. Amazingly enough, He revealed it simply by speaking. His word alone was mightier than the storm or the disciples’ fear.

He actually delivered a short, three-point sermon. His first two points were directed to the forces of nature—over which He demonstrated complete control. And His final point was addressed to His distraught disciples.

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?—Mark 4:39–40

He rebuked the wind

The sharpness with which Jesus spoke to the wind reminds us of the demonic power sometimes associated with the wind in Scripture.

In Job’s life, God allowed Satan the power to use wind to slay Job’s sons. “And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead….”

Ephesians 2:2 refers to Satan as “the prince of the power of the air.”

Of course, Satan’s power is limited by God. But it is significant to note that, as Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee with His disciples, He was on His way to the Gadarenes where He would encounter a demoniac and set him free. Satan knew of the demoniac of the Gadarenes. And he had a pretty good idea what would happen when this man encountered Jesus. Thus, even as Jesus was en route to bring deliverance, Satan fought.

Likewise, some of the storms you and I face are meant to discourage or defeat us from aggressive spiritual ministry. Through Job’s life, we’re reminded that even the direct attacks of Satan are filtered through the Father (Job 1:9–12), and through Jesus’ life, we’re reminded that the Word of God is powerful to defeat these winds.

Through both Job and Jesus, we are reminded that if we neglect to trust God and to use the weapon of His Word, we’ll be defeated before we reach victory.

Jesus is greater than any attack of Satan. First John 4:4 says it plainly: “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” And Ephesians 6:16–17 admonishes, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

He spoke to the sea

After rebuking the wind, Jesus addressed the heaving sea. “Peace be still.” He spoke to the sea with the authority and assurance of a response that you might speak to your pet. “Hush, stop disturbing me.”

And the sea obeyed.

The towering waves collapsed. The pitching waters stilled. The foaming swells settled into glass.

“Peace be still.”

Three words. It was that simple.

If the wind represents the direct attacks of Satan on our lives, the sea represents the circumstances beyond our control. Both the wind and the sea were part of the same storm. Both drove the disciples to distracted fear. But Jesus was mightier than both.

You and I do not have the power to change our circumstances, but we do have access to the One who can. And we do have access to the powerful Word of God that is mighty enough to change something far more complex than the most tumultuous storm—us. God’s Word can change our hearts in the midst of painful circumstances. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The thoughts and intents of the heart. Actually, this is what Jesus was after from the beginning. The storm itself didn’t disturb Him; He rested in the Father’s providence. But the faithless cries of the disciples did concern Him. He rebuked the wind and calmed the sea merely to add an exclamation mark to what He was about to say to His disciples.

He challenged the disciples

If I had been in the boat that day, I’m sure that I would have been fearful right along with the disciples. But once I had seen Jesus chide the wind and command the sea and then witnessed the calm that followed, I’m not sure I would have felt very comfortable when Jesus turned to look at me!

The crashing waves—although the outward cause of the disciples’ concerns—were a picture of a deeper problem in their hearts. Their hearts were overwhelmed by fear. It was towering, billowing, crashing, and filling their minds, skewing their perspective, and undermining their trust.

Have you been there? I have.

The Lord knows our propensity to fear, thus He assures us throughout the Bible, “Fear not.”

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come…and save you.—Isaiah 35:4

Fear not: for I am with thee…—Isaiah 43:5

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.—Luke 12:7

Above all, He assures us that He is greater than the most catastrophic storm we may face.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.—Psalm 46:1–3

Remembering that God is greater than our greatest fears brings perspective to our minds. Turning to Him as our refuge and strength in the storm brings peace to our hearts.

One of my favorite verses to claim in the face of fear is Psalm 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” After all, isn’t what we need in the storm assurance of His presence?

As Jesus asked the disciples the penetrating question, “Why are ye so fearful?” He followed it up with the root cause of their fear: “How is it that ye have no faith?”

The root of fear is faithlessness.

Faith and fear are both such powerful forces that either one of them will cancel the other. Let your heart become overwhelmed by fear, and there is no room for faith. When fear takes over, it skews your perspective so that you cannot even see the refuge you have in the Heavenly Father. On the other hand, when your heart is full of faith, there is an invisible shield protecting you from the onslaught of fear.

Sometimes we think we have more faith than we really do—until a storm comes. Then we see how weak our faith is. As Charles Spurgeon said, “We have no more faith at any time than we have in the hour of trial. All that will not bear to be tested is mere carnal confidence.”[1]

As long as we live and, especially, as long as we serve the Lord, you and I will continue to face storms that are beyond our control. The cold blasts of Satan’s attacks will blow; the heaving turmoil of circumstances beyond our control will brew. And in those times, we have two choices: we can look to our own resources, or we can rest in the sufficiency of God.

The first is our most natural choice. We worry when we look to our inadequacy and try to resist that which is outside of our control. This is the route the disciples chose over and over. In Matthew 6:30, Jesus pointed out the pointlessness of trying to master the cares of life with our resources. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” In that verse, Jesus also pointed the disciples to their better option—to place full confidence in the faithful sufficiency of our God.

It may be discouraging to see the weakness of our faith, but this makes the storm that much more of a blessing to us as we are challenged to cast ourselves fully on God.

What manner of man is this?

No doubt the disciples were speechless at first, but the first syllables they could manage to utter were ones of complete shock and awe: “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41).

Who is He? For starters, He’s the Creator of the universe. It’s no wonder the wind and waves obeyed His voice, for this was the same voice that spoke them into existence. “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:9).

Who is Jesus? His name is “Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And “in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

He is God. And He is powerful enough to handle our storms and to provide refuge for our souls. We find that refuge when we turn to Him in faith. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Perhaps you are in a storm right now. Perhaps in that storm you have been full of fear or lacking faith. Perhaps you need the courage that comes from a proper understanding of who Jesus is—your refuge and your strength.

There is no storm greater than His strength. And there is no wave that can overwhelm your boat when Jesus is your refuge.

1 Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit (Passmore & Alabaster, 1887), 289.

CONCLUSION

The Other Side

After launching out in obedience to Jesus’ word and becoming a fisher of men, Peter’s life was forever changed. No longer was it predictable, safe, or comfortable. In fact, it became wearisome, challenging, and threatening.

Even after Jesus ascended to Heaven, Peter continued to fish for men.

The result? He was regularly harassed and threatened (Acts 4:21), beaten (Acts 5:40), and at times imprisoned (Acts 12:3–6). History tells us that he was finally martyred.

Wouldn’t Peter’s life have been easier if he had remained on the shores of Galilee? He could have spent his time doing what he loved…and he could have avoided the storms.

Yes, life would have been easier in Galilee.

But would it have been better?

Throughout the rest of his life, Peter did encounter storms, no doubt more than are recorded for us in Scripture. But he also harvested men. When he preached at Pentecost alone, three thousand trusted Christ.

Think of the loss if Peter had spent the rest of his life on the shores of Galilee. He might have avoided suffering and persecution, but he would have only caught smelly fish. Another day, another dollar.

By allowing Christ to transform him into a fisher of men, Peter’s entire focus—and eternal reward—changed. He lost a good business, but he gained eternal fruit.

Many Christians today are so consumed with the temporal concerns of life that they are unwilling to launch out, and we are unwilling to sail through storms for the sake of the gospel. I challenge you to lift your eyes from the nets you wash and scan the horizon.

You can launch out.

You can live a life of faith.

Even if the general circumstances of your life—your occupation, your administrative duties, your responsibilities—never change, you can do them all with a passion to reach those around you with the gospel.

Launch out. Let down your nets for a draught.

There will be difficulties. Fear, persecution, suffering—and an eternal reward.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.—2 Corinthians 4:17–18

By the shores of Galilee, launching out seems a waste—illogical, idealistic, and dangerous. But on the other side, launching out seems the wisest decision one could make.

Is fishing for men worth it? It depends what shore you’re standing on.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church and the president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. He is a powerful communicator of God’s Word and a passionate servant to God’s people. He has been married to his wife, Terrie, for thirty-two years, and they have four married children who are all serving in Christian ministry. He enjoys spending time with his family, and he loves serving the Lord shoulder to shoulder with a wonderful church family.

Dr. Chappell’s preaching is heard on Daily in the Word, a radio program that is broadcast across America. You can find a station listing at: dailyintheword.org.

You can also connect with Dr. Chappell here:

Blog: paulchappell.com

Twitter: twitter.com/paulchappell

Facebook: facebook.com/pastor.paul.chappell

Visit us online

strivingtogether.com

wcbc.edu

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part One: Set the Sails

Chapter One: Why Launch?

Chapter Two: Faith Never Makes Sense

Chapter Three: At Thy Word, I Will

Part Two: Weather the Storms

Chapter Four: Storms Are Real

Chapter Five: Lord, Do You Care?

Chapter Six: Our Refuge and Strength

Conclusion: The Other Side