John Chapter 6: Verses 18-21 (NIV-UK)
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
The sea of Galilee is apparently notorious for storms and rough water and especially storms that come out of the blue. Thankfully on the two occasions I have been there the crossings have been calm! But in this account, the disciples were having to focus and manage the boat on rough water, and they were toiling. They knew Jesus was on the shore and were certainly not expecting them to come to their aid by walking on the water. Three miles out is quite a distance. On my second visit the boat stopped 3 miles out so that we could see that we were completely surrounded by water. The disciples focus at the time would have been to ensure their safety. They did not recognise the figure approaching them, and other accounts say they believed that it was a ghost. But when Jesus spoke and told them not to be afraid, they recognised His voice and welcomed Him into the boat, and immediately they reached the other side and all was well.
Sometimes when we are going through difficult times, we are so caught up with the situation that we too don’t recognise that Jesus is coming to our aid. He may come in a way that we don’t expect and take us by surprise. We may be wondering if it really is Him that is intervening for us – until we recognise His voice and His touch on our lives. It is Him and He will go through these circumstances with us until we get to the other side. That’s why it’s important to spend time getting to know Him and to recognise His voice and His touch. So that when He says to us, “Don’t be afraid, it’s me. I’m here,” we have the assurance that all will be well.
Dear Lord,
Help me not to get so caught up in my circumstances that I don’t recognise Your hand on my life. I’m grateful that I never need to face the storms of life by myself. Amen.