The mother of all storms

When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.     John 6:19 

The Sea of Galilee in Israel is cradled in the Jordan River Valley, just west of the desolate Golan Heights. When the wind starts blowing at Galilee, anyone with experience knows that it’s only going to get worse. That’s the way it was when the disciples launched their little craft from the eastern shores of Galilee and headed towards home in Capernaum. John says, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.”

On another occasion, Jesus came walking on the water and invited Peter to step out of the boat and come to Him (Matthew 14), but this time, Jesus wanted to board their boat. “He said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat” (John 6:20-21).

Their fear had to be overcome before they were willing to let Him get into the boat. How do you know whether you can really trust God in the storm? In a sense, the storm is the laboratory of life, the proving ground where you put your faith to the test. We prefer never having to face the storm, as did the disciples; but apart from the storm you could never be completely sure that God is enough.

You can overcome your fear the same way the disciples did theirs. By listening to His voice saying, “It is I ; don’t be afraid!” Jesus Christ doesn’t force Himself into your boat. He comes in response to your invitation. Are you willing to let Him aboard?

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountains where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20