Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land.He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them,but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped.
The Disciples had gone on ahead of Jesus, at His bidding, but they were struggling in their boat in a story crossing on the Sea of Galilee. When I visited Galilee, we were told that it is well known for sudden, violent storms because of its location and its environment amongst the hills. Jesus had been spending time alone in prayer, but He was still able to see the boat and the trouble they were having. So, He went out to them, and the only way to get there when He needed to, was to walk on the water.
I wonder what the Disciples were thinking as they struggled? Where is Jesus when we need Him? If only He was here? They certainly didn’t expect Him to come walking out towards them. I don’t think He was going to walk past them; I think He wanted to test their reaction. They certainly had trouble believing it was Jesus in the flesh, but He spoke to them to reassure them. They would have then recognised His voice, and when He climbed into the boat with them the water became calm.
When we are struggling in any situation, perhaps we too are tempted to wonder where Jesus is. But we can be assured that He is well aware of our struggles and will come along side us I the midst of them. He might come in a way that we don’t expect but when we sense His presence, and His voice, He brings a calm and a peace to the situation that we are in. The disciples got to the other side in safety with Jesus along side them. He will also go through our trials with us and bring us safely out the other side. And though we have to still face whatever difficulties lie ahead we can be assured of hearing those same words, “Take courage, I am here.”
Dear Lord,
Thank You that although we may at times think You are watching from afar, You want to climb into the middle of the situation we are in, bringing Your peace and calming our fears. Even though we still have to get to the other side of the situation, thank You for travelling through it alongside us. Amen.