Yoder: Quiet Storms

By Kathy Yoder

We all recognize the signs of a big storm approaching. Sometimes, the wind howls at an alarming rate, sending lawn chairs tumbling past our windows or even snapping large tree branches. Other times, an eerie silence blankets the world—the calm before the storm. Birds fall silent, seeking shelter. Squirrels vanish into safe havens to ride out the tempest. Though we hear nothing, we sense a shift in the air. We check the forecast, and sure enough, something big is coming. Sirens wail, urging us to take cover and wait out the storm in safety, just like the squirrels.

Big storms come with clear warnings, but what about the quiet storms—the ones that start small and catch us off guard? A doctor says, “We’d like to run more tests, just as a precaution.” A manager announces, “We’ll be making budget cuts in the New Year, but don’t worry. Enjoy your Christmas.” A spouse suggests, “Let’s take some time apart; it’s temporary, just for perspective.” Or we hear, “Feeling a little blue is normal this time of year; focus on what makes you happy.” These quiet storms can escalate into raging crises. A routine test might reveal a life-threatening illness. Budget cuts could cost a job and a family’s stability. A separation might end a marriage. Feeling blue could signal a deeper depressive disorder.

How do we respond? Do we bury our heads under pillows, ignoring the signs? Obsess over what might happen until worry consumes us? Pretend everything is fine? The quiet storms in life, much like the sudden tempest that struck the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, demand a better response.

Picture Jesus and His disciples setting out across the Sea of Galilee. It’s a pleasant day; otherwise, they wouldn’t have launched the boat. Jesus naps, His head resting on a cushion. Without warning, a fierce storm erupts. No forecasts, no sirens. Just calm one moment and chaos the next. The boat fills with water, and the disciples, experienced fishermen, panic. If they’re frightened, you know it’s a bad storm. They fear for their lives and wake Jesus, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38).

The disciples were still learning who Jesus truly was. They didn’t have the New Testament to guide them; they were living it. Yet, in their fear, they knew enough to turn to Him. Can we say the same? Too often, we miss what the disciples overlooked: Jesus calms the storms. Not only the tempests of nature but also the crises in our lives, both raging and quiet. When a subtle challenge threatens to overwhelm us, we must get into the boat with Jesus. He never steers us wrong, not just during storms but every day.

Later, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Another time, when some followers abandoned Jesus, unable to grasp His teachings, He turned to the Twelve and asked if they, too, would leave. Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Peter’s words ring true for us all. There is no one else. Some believe being a good person ensures heaven, but goodness alone isn’t enough. Others think many paths lead to heaven, but Scripture teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way.

Did the disciples still face storms? Absolutely. Quiet ones and raging ones. Most of them endured trials that eventually claimed their lives. Yet, once they truly knew Jesus, their perspective changed forever. These fishermen, with no formal education, secured their place in heaven because they stayed in the boat with Jesus. We must do the same. When quiet storms loom or raging tempests strike, call out to Him in prayer, trust His presence, and seek the support of those who share your faith. He is always with His followers.

Get in the boat with Jesus today. He will guide you through every storm.

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer reachable at Kathyyoder4@gmail.com and Kathyyoder.com.