Why did Jesus direct His disciples to go into a storm (Matthew 14:22:-33)?

It was an opportunity for Jesus to show His power (verse 26).
It was an opportunity for the disciples to learn what faith in God could do (28-29).

As I write these words our nation is in the midst of the Coronavirus. These are scary times. The news headlines tell us how bad things are. Yet we as believers must remember that God is in control, and He has allowed for this test to come upon us. In a sense, just like in Matthew 14, Jesus has led us into a nighttime storm. Why would He do that? Why is Jesus allowing our nation to suffer through this frightful time?

First, God is always concerned about His glory. He wants people to revere Him, worship Him, and affirm that truly Jesus is the Son of God (verse 33). Already here in America the death count for COVID-19 is dramatically less than what was forecast. God is answering prayers. Remedies for this virus are being developed, God is delivering us from this crisis.

Second, this current health crisis is a time for God’s people to grow in their faith-walk with God. The whole Christian life is an experience of faith (Romans 1:17). This is how we are to respond to this virus also. Faith, faith, faith is how we are to live the Christian life. And like Peter walking on the water (verse 29), soon we are going to overcome this “storm in the night.”