“And the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ” (Matthew 14:24–27)

As Jesus approached the storm-tossed boat, the disciples saw Him, but didn’t recognize Him. In fact, at first His presence added to their terror. They thought they were seeing a ghost.

Reading their first reaction made me think of the fear-inducing situations I myself have faced. How often has Christ been present in my storm, but I didn’t recognized Him? Was He wearing the face of a person? Did He come from a direction I didn’t expect?

Perhaps I was so weary from rowing against the wind, I expected nothing but more bad news. When Christ speaks, He seems to ignore the immediate problem, saying, “Take courage! It is I.” If I were the disciples, I think I would have liked to hear, “It’s okay, I’ll tell the storm to stop now,” or “I’ll get in and help you row from here.” Perhaps I’d even appreciate a six-step plan for getting safely to shore.

Instead Jesus offers one key thing: the truth that He is present. I want God to respond to my trials with explanations for their existence, clear step-by-step plans for solving them and even a few promises about the value of enduring them. Yet here Jesus gives the disciples the answer He often gives me: “I’m here.” Sufficient. The answer I need. The answer powerful enough to propel me from the boat and onto the water, as Peter discovered as the scene continued. Jesus doesn’t provide a weather report, a new sailing technique or an empty pep talk. He gives me first what matters most: Himself.

“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of this storm, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships that come a storms of life. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. May we always recconize you ,  Keep us ever in Your watch until these storms of life pass. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Prayer for those affected by the hurricanes. 

Heavenly Father, hear the humble voices of your children.  The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea.  We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control.  The weather, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake and overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster.  During this hurricane season, we turn to You, our loving Father.  Spare Your children and cast protection around those who are caught in the midst of these storms, also those who risk their lives to rescue and help others.  We pray that your children will seek You and the lost will call on You, and come to know You. May they continue walk in Your footsteps even after the storm, and reach strive to reach to the Heavenly realm where a glorious and storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen.

Are you in the middle of a storm? call out to Jesus, ask Him into your life.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org