Shepherding well in the midst of a storm

We know the story: Jesus is asleep in the stern of a boat as a great storm rises. His disciples wake Him up, asking if He cares that they are perishing. So Jesus gets up, rebukes the wind, and simply says, “Peace! Be still!” The storm stops and there is great calm.

We know this story and find comfort in the power and authority of our Lord. However, I believe there is another story we know too well as shepherds: The wind and waves surrounding your life are causing you to take on water, and you may even be wondering if you are going to capsize. You, too, cry out to Jesus—knowing He cares—but the wind continues, the waves beat, and the end of the storm is not in sight.

How do we shepherd in this place—in the midst of a storm?

1. Kiss the wave 

Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that slams me into the Rock of Ages.” What a statement! The Prince of Preachers is saying that even in an active storm, we can find the Prince of Peace. In fact, the storm itself often slams us against the Rock of Ages. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” It is often through the storms we draw closer to the Lord. We must learn to kiss the wave.

2. Set the anchor

Hebrews 6:17-19 brings encouragement during our storms: “Because God wanted to show His unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

We have an anchor in the storm. We do not have to be tossed around with no security. We have something firm and secure—the hope we have in Christ. Our hope is not in our ability to weather the storm, but rather, our hope is in the fact we are heirs of the promise. Romans 8:17 adds, “and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

 3. Trust God’s providence even in a shipwreck

God never tells us the boat won’t go under. There are times in life when the storm wreaks havoc and there is a lot of damage. But even if you become lost at sea or become a castaway, we know this is not our home. Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “ … For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.”

Always remember that God’s providence is always backed by His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” In James 1:12, James writes, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” And Psalm 23:4 proclaims, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

4. Care for those on your boat—including yourself.

In Acts 27:24, Paul is shipwrecked, but God told him, “Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And indeed, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.” God, in His providence, had a plan for Paul and was going to be faithful in seeing it accomplished. Paul becomes a mighty instrument used to care for those on the boat with him.

Be intentional with caring for your own health, consider your family’s health, and be mindful as you shepherd a body of believers that are affected by storms, as well. Be intentional with physical, mental, emotional, and especially spiritual health. Do not be afraid to ask for help.