Friday, June 21, 2013

Riding The Waves

Jesus Walks on the Water

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 
 
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea — the Lord on high is mighty.  - Psalm 93:4 (NIV)

 

During our annual family trip to the beach, our children were learning to swim in the waves. We showed them how to jump at the right time and how to turn away from a wave that was too big or that broke at the wrong time. Most important, we taught them to answer the question, “Are you OK?” After lots of jumps and splashes and a few mouthfuls of ocean, they gained confidence and began to enjoy the water. As I watched my children play in the surf, I began to see that riding the waves is like steering through life.

Our lives are unpredictable. The swell that looks menacing from far off may be a mere ripple by the time it arrives. The wave that passes me by may knock down my neighbor. We cannot predict the hard or easy times; we cannot be prepared for every eventuality. Yet I also realize that God sees our struggles and is with us even when the world knocks us down. No matter how difficult the waters, we are never out of God’s sight. We can remember the mighty Lord who made the seas we navigate.

Prayer

Dear God of land and sea, comfort us with your strength and your love whenever we feel afraid. Remind us that you teach and guide us by your mighty hand. Amen.
Prayer focus  -  Families on vacation
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