JESUS SPEAKING
Now it happened, on a certain day that he got into a boat with his disciples. And he said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But he said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him!” (Luke 8: 22-25.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The Sea of Galilee is the lowest (below sea level) freshwater lake in the world. Because it is right next to the Mediterranean Sea, warm and cool air meet, creating fierce storms that arise almost instantaneously. Jesus and his disciples were crossing this sea when a violent squall arose and threatened to capsize their vessel. As the Lord peacefully slept in the back of the boat his disciples began to panic. Fear had caused them to forget who was riding with them; neither could they recall that just moments earlier Jesus had said, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” After being roused from sleep the Lord calmed the wind and the waves and asked them, “Where is your faith?” Fear and faith are natural enemies. The presence of one often signals the absence of the other (and vice versa.) People become fearful because they lose faith in the God who dwells within them; a God who will never leave them, nor forsake them. As David wrote in Psalm 23, many years ago, “I shall fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Some time ago, I had many interactions with a man who frequented the coffee shop where I studied. He often appeared to be under a great deal of stress; he seemed fearful, upset, unsettled, and distracted. One day, he leaned over to me and said, “Can you give a scripture, or something from the bible that will help me to remember that ‘God will never give me more than I can handle?’” I recalled for him the story of Jesus calming the storm. The disciples feared that they were going to capsize and drown, but God kept them from perishing. I told the man that the size of the waves and the level of desperation were unimportant; rather what truly mattered was who he had in the boat with him. I said that if Jesus was in his heart, he would always stay afloat.
Today, our lives are like vessels floating on the sea. Sometimes the seas are tranquil, and sometimes the seas are stormy; those who invite Jesus to accompany them on their journey will receive the promise; for the Lord has vowed that every true believer will make it to the other side. No one traveling with the Son of God will slip beneath the waves. He will calm the wind; He will still the seas; He will give you a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” When you feel fear, remember His promises; and you will finish the race; you will keep the faith; and you will live, because the Lord is with you.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask that Your Son would guide us; that he accompany us on our journey through life. Protect us from the storms that might arise along the way; increase our faith; may we never fear knowing that You are with us. Give us Your love, Your peace, and Your wisdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 