Navigating Crisis and Storms

At Life Line Sampson, we regularly walk with our clients through crisis and life’s storms. We are a place of refuge—a safe place for education and support. We are a place that sits in the trench with you and are willing to provide the resources to help get you out.

As we navigate these unexpected life storms with our clients, I am often reminded of the time when the disciples met a storm in the middle of the lake without Jesus. This account can be found in Matthew 14 and Mark 6.

These same disciples had previously gone through a storm while in a small boat but Jesus was in the boat with them. He was so unbothered by the storm that he slept through it until his disciples woke him.

In the instance documented in Matthew 14 and Mark 6, Jesus had just completed the famous miracle of multiplying bread and fish to feed 5,000 men and an unknown number of women and children. This miracle was historical! After, the crowds wanted to follow the disciples and Jesus everywhere they went. The disciples had to quickly leave in the boat and Jesus went alone to the mountainside. In the middle of the lake, several miles out, the wind became violent. The waves grew higher, larger, and rocked the boat heavily. The disciples were afraid. Jesus was not in the boat.

I had a conversation with God recently and asked Him, “Why did Jesus send the disciples into the sea knowing a storm was coming?”

I believe the Lord spoke to me saying back, “I had to teach them that even when they feel alone, I am still with them.”

The small sentence rocked my world!

You see, in the perspective of the disciples, they were accustomed to the physical presence of Jesus.

They walked with Him.

They talked with Him.

They ate with Him.

They camped with Him.

They did completely normal and mundane things with him like cleaning their laundry, cooking, and making jokes.

They lived and traveled with Jesus.

The disciples were very much aware of the power and authority He had to perform miracles. What they did not understand is that He gave them that SAME power and authority. & that even when Jesus was not physically with them, He still was in spirit.

Mark’s account states, “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake.” Mark 6:48.

You see, the disciples felt alone. They felt as though the storm might kill them. They fought each wave and turbulent wind with their physical bodies. But what they didn’t realize was that Jesus, though not physically present, still SAW them. He saw them facing the storm and interceded on their behalf. He also did not let the storm overtake them.

Some lessons on navigating storms we can take from this encounter:

1. Jesus literally walked on top of the storm.

The waves were beneath His feet. The wind stood no chance against Him. He gives us the same power and strength to navigate our own storms. LLS is here to help you navigate your personal storm or crisis and empower you with options, education, and support!

2. We are never alone.

When facing hard times, it is easy to isolate ourselves and believe that we are the only one who has ever experienced this hardship. In reality, MANY women experience unplanned pregnancies and have bravely chosen to parent their baby despite the hard obstacles. We believe that you can do it too. We believe you have the courage and strength to push through the difficult odds. We are here to help you and give you resources to make this happen. LLS will walk with you throughout your pregnancy and support you as much as possible.

3. You are strong

With help and support, you can do great things! We also believe that God will give us what we lack in times of trouble. We are given the strength and wisdom to push through life’s storms and come out the other side.

Are you currently facing an intimidating and loud storm that cannot be ignored? We at LLS would love to support you and help you get your boat to dry land. Call us today and let us know how we can help!

-Nurse Ally