Get Out of the Boat – March 02, 2003
Life has its share of stormy weather. And while we welcome peaceful sunny days, the stormy ones also bring their blessings. It was during such a stormy day on the Sea of Galilee that the Lord rebuked the wind, calmed the waves, and spoke the soothing words, “Peace be still.” As Master of all things He could surely calm the storms which rage in our lives from time to time, but more often chooses to speak peace to our hearts instead. He knows that standing against the wind will strengthen us, and even the darkest thunderheads carry their share of life giving rain.
During another stormy night on Galilee, the ship was “tossed with waves… And in the forth watch of the night Jesus came walking on the sea.” The disciples were afraid. He called to them, “Be of good cheer, it is I. Be not afraid.” Impetuous Peter responded, “Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And He said, ‘Come’.”
Sometimes we think that Peter lacked in faith because he began to sink. Let us not forget that Peter, faithful Peter GOT OUT OF THE BOAT. He took the first, most difficult step. Then the Lord reached out his hand and lifted him up. So it is with the heavy seas that assail our lives.
A young father was recently diagnosed with a debilitating disease. He was only just embarking on a career for which he had painstakingly prepared. His family was young. The future looked bright. Suddenly he was thrust into a raging torrent of uncertainty. He felt his faith begin to founder. It all seems too unfair. In a moment of despair he cried out against the darkness. Then whispering, almost imperceptibly, came the reply, “Be not afraid.” There was no promise that the storm would pass. No horizon of hope loomed in the distance. He had only the reassuring invitation, ‘come.’ And so began the daily challenge of going forward in the face of his personal storm – bracing himself against an unrelenting headwind, facing a daily challenge to get up and “get out of the boat” one day at a time. And should you ask him, this young man would likely say that he would not trade away these stormy days. They have become some of the sweetest of the journey.
It can be so for all of us as we face the storms that inevitably confront us. The Lord may not calm the storm around us but He will speak peace to our hearts, invite us to come to Him, and willingly lift us up from our weakness. For our part, we must be willing to take the first step of faith.
Program #3837