Summer storms are to be expected. Some blow through quickly, providing needed moisture for our yards, and leaving the air refreshed. Some seem to take days to build, and hang around to threaten us for too long. Sometimes, the storms come so frequently in our lives, we wonder if we can endure another one.
In the Sixth Chapter of Mark, we read how Jesus harnessed the power of a storm to get a point across to His followers.
Jesus’s disciples must have been exhausted as they set out across a vast lake, obeying His command to get to the other side. When the storm came up, they remembered a previous storm that He had calmed in an instant. This time, though, the wind and the waves seemed overwhelming. As they strained at the oars to stay afloat, Jesus walked across the water towards them. “And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night He cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.” Mark 6:48 KJV. But instead of being reassured by His presence, they were fearful. “But when they saw Him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out.” Verse 49.
How often do we miss the help that is coming to us in the storms of life? We are fearful, and forget the help we have received in the past. In verse 50, we see that Jesus reassures them that he is still there to help. “And immediately, He talked with them, and saith unto them. Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”
He is still there, and he is still the great I Am. No matter how often the clouds roll in, or the waves threaten to swamp our boats. Jesus is with us. Be of Good Cheer.
photo credit: Ryan.Kartzke <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/155319444@N06/28383209868″>Lightning Strikes Over a Tropical Island in Thailand</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>(license)</a>
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