Storm Seas

 

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded. (Mark 6:45-51a ESV).

 

We have had numerous videos and pictures of the destructive force in Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian. Our reading today describes a stormy sea as the disciples attempted to cross the Sea of Galilee. The winds were raging against them as they fought to keep their boat afloat. Jesus had been specific in sending them on ahead of Him knowing the storm would confront them with fear. He saw their struggle from afar and walked out to them on the wild waves. When they saw him, they were terrified, thinking he was a ghost on the stormy sea.

 

While that has never happened to me, I have had those moments when it seemed all was lost in a storm of events and circumstances. I’ve felt I had no one and nowhere to turn when things seemed impossible. My sons would tell you it was at those times when I behaved like a “basket-case.” Well, while that’s true, my hope is that I can do better in the future. I need to remember that Jesus is always there and never fails to restore order and purpose in my life regardless of what the circumstances might be at the moment.

 

Remember, Jesus could have remained on the shore and commanded the winds to tame down. At the very least, quieting the sea first might have made his walking out there easier. But instead Jesus joined his disciples in the turbulence, took the most difficult route, and then climbed into the rocking boat to be with them. “Don’t be afraid,” he said before calming the storm. In this story, Jesus demonstrates the heart of God that still comforts us today as we battle life’s storms. Jesus sees our struggles, comes near to us, and goes through the storm with us—whether or not he decides to calm or stop it. Listen closely as he whispers to you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”