Walking On Your Troubles

As mentioned in yesterday's devotional, the Sea of Galilee is susceptible to sudden, violent, and unpredictable storms due to its location and temperature differences. While the sea usually appears calm, it can experience extreme weather that occasionally produces waves up to 10 feet high.

The Gospels recount two stories about life-threatening storms on the sea. These storms were so fierce that even the disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, feared for their lives. However, these storms offer crucial lessons about faith. In yesterday's devotional, we discussed the first storm when Jesus was in the boat. Today, we will focus on the storm that occurred while Jesus was not in the boat.

Matthew 14:22-33 says, "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It's a ghost,' they said and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' 28 'Lord, if it's you, Peter replied, tell me to come to you on the water.' 29 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' 31 Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' "

The context of this amazing story comes immediately after the miraculous feeding of over 20,000 people, which is the only other miracle besides the resurrection that is recorded in all four Gospels.

As a result of this miracle, the crowds were not only well-fed but also in a frenzy, which meant that the popularity of Jesus and His disciples was at an all-time high. This is why Jesus had to make the disciples get into the boat; they were reluctant to leave the crowd's attention and admiration. However, Jesus chose to go to a nearby mountain. After some time, a storm erupted on the Sea of Galilee that was so severe the disciples feared for their lives. Jesus saw them in the storm and came to them after they had been going against the wind all night.  

Like the disciples, you will be scared by storms, but they will also allow you to exercise faith by trusting Jesus. Notice that Peter walked on water while keeping his eyes on Jesus, but he sank when he focused on the storm. Perhaps he was waiting for Jesus to still the storm. Thus, we must remember that Jesus often calms the storm within you before He calms the storm around you. Therefore, instead of becoming fixated on the storms of adversity in your life, refocus on God's goodness and His promises.  

Like the Apostles, let us trust in Jesus and proclaim, "Truly you are the Son of God," walking over our troubles as Christ walked on the troubled sea.