My relative Larry and I once went overnight fishing with another relative, Steve. Steve’s motorboat was quite adequate in size for the mild ocean waves we encountered cruising along the east end of Long Island, in New York. The fishing was good and the company warm and pleasant.
But during the wee hours of the night, to our surprise, a storm came up. Larry and I had been asleep on the deck in the back of the boat. Steve woke us up, and in his calm but urgent way, told us “You two need to move to the front of the boat, or we might not make it back.” There was just enough light to see the large waves following close behind us, and it was a frightening sight. After some tense moments and a lot of prayer, we made it safely back to shore, then went back to sleep – this time, in the car.
The following morning was clear, sunny, and calm, so we returned to fishing. On the way out, we went by a Coast Guard vessel towing a large sailboat. But all that was visible of the boat was the very top of its tall mast – the rest of the boat was submerged, a stark reminder of the tremendous power of the stormy sea.
This adventure helped me relate to one of Jesus’ disciples’ experiences. One night, in the early morning hours, they found themselves in a very similar situation on the Sea of Galilee, where violent storms can also quickly arise. We read about it in Matthew 14.
23 After dismissing the crowds, He (Jesus) went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Around three in the morning, He came toward them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.”
29 “Come!” He said.
And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:23-33 (HCSB)
The apostle Peter comes under a lot of criticism for his wavering faith in this situation, but from my own night on the boiling sea, I have only the deepest admiration for his courage in stepping out of the boat. None of the other apostles did! And for a brief time, Peter truly did walk upon the waves, held up only by a miracle of God, through faith.
Like Peter when he began to sink, our own desperate situations get resolved when Jesus reaches out His hand to us. No matter what trials we are facing, He is always there. Jesus has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We can trust Him to calm the waves that toss us about whenever these storms are threatening. May He safely carry you through any trouble you might be facing today.
Reflection
Would you have joined Peter, getting out of the boat to walk on the waves?
Father God, thank You for protecting us whenever the storms of life rise up to confront us. We lean upon Jesus to take our hand, calm the storm, and bring us through. We ask this in His name, Amen.
Have a blessed and peaceful day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 