The Storm

Matthew 14: 25-33 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

When I was a little girl, I used to love to go out in the rain. I'd jump in puddles, catch raindrops on my tongue and dance with wild abandon, completely indifferent to the cold rain, wet hair or muddy shoes. Gentle rains were wonderful.

However, I was terrified of thunderstorms. I would wake up in the middle of the night, thunder rolling over the house. Then a loud crack and a flash of light would send me running to my mother's bed. I'd climb in, safe and secure, knowing that nothing could hurt me there.

Now I'm blessed to be on the other end of the storm. It's my bed that gets invaded and my arms that protect. I love it.

The disciples were in a storm, unprotected, on the water. I'm sure their confidence was as shaky as the boat they were clinging to. Then suddenly, Jesus appeared, walking on water nonetheless. I can't imagine what that felt like. Peter, in his typical impulsive manner, decided that he had to be a part of that. Boldly he challenged Jesus, "Let me come out there." He did it too, until he realized what was going on. Like a child riding a bike, who realizes that dad has let go, Peter fell. Luckily, Jesus was close at hand to pull him out.

I have been through many storms in my life. Sometimes I feel like Peter, unsure about my ability to stay afloat. But if I take a second, turn to Christ in faith, the storm seems to calm a bit and I remain afloat. I'm not saying my troubles go away, it's just that I find peace in the midst of them. Rather than sinking, I am able to peacefully move forward until I end up on solid ground.

Heavenly Father,

We brave so many storms in this life. Alone, they seem scary and impossible. Thank you for letting us crawl into your arms, like a child into her Mommy's bed. Safely help us until the storm passes. Help us to have faith in you despite the storms and trials of this life. Draw us near to you, that we may feel your peace.

Amen.