How Do I Help a Friend Through a Storm?

God doesn’t want any of us to go through storms alone. A friend might not be able to stop the waves from crashing over us, but they can stay by our side and encourage us to keep going.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NIV

We probably all want these kinds of friends (who wouldn’t?) but have you ever felt like it’s hard to be one? Have you ever seen a friend go through a hard time, and had no idea how to help? Or tried to help and maybe made it worse?

Going through storms is hard, but watching people we care about get hit by storms is hard too. Luckily, God is the ultimate friend to us when we go through storms, and he can show us how to be a good friend to other people. Check out this Mini Quiet Time to learn how Jesus helped Peter through a tumultuous time, and how we can follow his example by being a calm and steady presence in our friends’ storms.

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A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 NIV

Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake. He said he would come later. He stayed there to tell everyone they could go home. After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone. By this time the boat was already a long way from shore. Since the wind was blowing against it, the boat was having trouble because of the waves. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, it scared them. “It’s a ghost!” they said, screaming in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come, Peter.” Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped.

Matthew 14:22-32 ERV