Calming the Seas

   “Let us cross to the other side of the Lake.’  So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell asleep.  A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger.  They came and woke him saying, ‘Master, master, we are perishing!’  He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm.  Then he asked them, ‘Where is your faith?” (Luke 8: 22-25)

   How many times in our lives have we felt tremendous fear as did the apostles?  I know in my life there have been times when I felt lost and didn’t know where to turn.  Anyone who has lost a job has probably known the sinking feeling of uncertainty in their life.  Even more so one who has lost a loved one knows the emotional and physical devastation caused by such a loss.  Our whole world is in turmoil and we question virtually everything.  Like those in the boat we fear that we will perish.

   However, there is great hope in this biblical event as well.  The apostles did exactly as they should; they turned to Jesus.  The same help is there for us when we are confused and troubled.  Regardless the difficulty of the situation, Jesus can provide the calm needed to restore us.  All it takes is a willingness to turn to Him, secure in the faith that He can and will do so. 

   The apostles lived with Jesus for over three years and yet there were many times they had a lack of faith.  If they had difficulty keeping their faith strong we should expect our faith to suffer at times as well.  Although He rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, Jesus restored the calm to the seas.

   Though our faith may also falter in times of worry and fear He will answer us when we turn to Him.  From His great love and mercy, Jesus will calm the rough seas in our lives.