40 DAYS in the GOSPEL Sample

STORM WALKER

“And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.” (Mark 6:51)

When I (Josiah) was a teenager, our church youth group was really into playing basketball. It was probably because our church gymnasium had a basketball court. But it was also because boys that age love competition and to see how we measure up against each other. It's not just boys though, is it? Raising my three girls has shown me that competition is a human thing.

As you might have guessed, we had the usual spread out on the court. The fastest and strongest were at the top, and somewhere near the bottom it ended with guys like me who were way more comfortable in the library. There was one exception to the rule though, and his name was BJ. He was not an exception because of a disability. BJ was clearly in a league all his own, to the point that when he tried his hardest it was hard to believe that he was the same kind of human as the rest of us. He evaded every block with ease, hit every shot, blocked everyone else, and never seemed to be out of breath.

Thankfully he was also a humble and nice guy which made getting destroyed by him almost a pleasure. Still, you would stand back and watch with a measure of envy wondering why you couldn’t even come close to matching him. All our envy would disappear under one particular circumstance, however. When another youth group was visiting, and it became us against them, we were suddenly grateful that we had a transcendent player on our side. With BJ playing for us, we knew that no team would be able to overwhelm us.

I believe the disciples experienced a similar fear followed by awe and gratitude on the night they were rowing against a powerful storm. The storm was so much bigger than them, and they were struggling and afraid. Out of the corner of their eyes they see the form of a man walking on the water and impervious to the powerful wind. Fear was the only reasonable response to a sight like this. Their fear turned into awe when this master of nature called out to them, and it was the voice of their friend Jesus that they heard. When He got into the boat with them their struggle ended, and they were on the other side.

These days we are living in are very difficult. I know that we all wish we were strong enough not to be afraid and overwhelmed. I am so grateful that scripture tells me that Jesus was God with us, and that He fully understands my temptations and weakness. When the storms of life are blowing, I know that I need something more than just someone else who understands. This is when the incomparable power of God, as I see it fully expressed in Jesus Christ, fills me with joy. He understands the struggle, but He is walking on the water and telling the storm what to do! He is on our side and nothing in this life will be able to defeat those who follow Him.

PRAY ABOUT IT: As you think about some of the things going on in your life—the things that make you feel weak and afraid—begin to thank the Father for sending His Son, to not only understand what you are going through, but also to promise you that it will not ultimately defeat you or separate you from Him. (See Romans chapter 8).