I am often reminded of the Biblical story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had dismissed the crowds that had come to hear Him preach; afterwards, He went up into the hills to pray by himself. When He arrived back at the shore the next morning, the boat was being battered by huge waves, and the ferocious winds kept pushing the boat further out to sea. Seeing Jesus walk on the water, the disciples cried out in fear; “Save us Lord!” Jesus immediately said to them, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Peter cried out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to walk to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began walking towards Jesus. As the wind became ferocious again and the rain pelted his body, Peter was afraid, and he began to sink. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me,” and Jesus reached out His hand to catch Peter. Jesus hugged Peter and said, “Oh ye of little faith. Why did you doubt me?” They got into the boat, and the storm ceased its anger. Amazed by what they had witnessed, the disciples all said, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
I wonder if the turbulent, devastating storms that are reeking havoc in our world today and all of our little boats smacking into the boulders in the rivers and oceans of our lives are God’s messages for us to stop trying to do everything by ourselves and to begin letting His Son carry us to the other side. We should all be crying out, “Lord, save us!” God gave us the wisdom to change our ways, but somehow, we keep stumbling over our own feet with each new problem. We have all been “doubting Peters” if we are honest with ourselves about our fears, our pains, and our inability to make good decisions.
It is time for the peoples of the world to come together to praise God for all that He has done for us as individuals, as countries, and as a world. Nothing is impossible with God; He sent His Son to walk with us on the troubled seas. The winds of the Holy Spirit will rest quietly in our souls, and God will make rainbows to brighten our days. No greater love could our Father have bestowed on us than sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take our hands, give us a hug of unconditional love, and then walk with us down our often rocky paths. We are truly blessed to have His face shine on us and give us peace.
In gratitude to my Lord and Heavenly Father, I sing the words of the “Doxology:”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Fortress Press)
Anna Hartt
