“They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!”
John 6:19-21 (NLT)
No one wants to hear the words “it’s cancer” once, let alone twice. I had so many questions for God. “Why me? Where are you, Lord? Isn’t having cancer one time enough?”
I must confess, I was angry with God.
Following the miracle of feeding the 5000, Jesus instructed the disciples to get into a boat and meet him across the lake. They encountered a storm and rowed hard against the wind and waves for many hours. Jesus saw their struggle and went out to them, walking on the water.
The Bible says, “They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination” John 6:19-21 (NLT).
Are you afraid and anxious? Do you feel alone and wonder where God is in your circumstances? Are you rowing like crazy and going nowhere? Jesus helps us find calm in the chaos. He is with us during the storms of life.
Jesus makes us get in the boat
Water, especially a body of water like a lake or the sea, is a metaphor for chaos, danger, and death in the Bible.
Jesus intentionally sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee in a boat to strengthen their faith (Matthew 14:22, Mark 6:45).
Expect storms when Jesus makes us get into the boat. He allows difficult circumstances to strengthen our faith, as he did for the disciples.
Jesus is with us during the storms of life
Many of the disciples were fishermen and thus familiar with the sea. Jesus saw them straining at the oars because the wind was against them (Mark 6:48). It seems likely that they were exhausted from rowing all night during the storm.
Jesus waited until the boat was at its farthest point from land, when all hope was gone. Then during the fourth watch, between 3 am and 6 am, He went out to meet them (Matthew 14:25 ESV). They thought He was a ghost and were frightened. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. I am here!”
Even when we don’t realize it, Jesus is always with us in the storms of life, to help us find calm in the chaos.
Jesus calms the storm
The disciples eagerly invited Jesus into the boat and the wind died down. (John 6:21, Mark 6:51).
They made it back to shore safely. Then the disciples worshipped Jesus and said, for the first time, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).
Final words
I am no longer angry with God because I know He works everything for my good, even the storms. I let Jesus into my boat and am trusting Him more day by day. He saved me from cancer in the past, and I know for sure He will do it again.
Jesus is with us, no matter the circumstances. He helps us find calm in the chaos because He loves us.
Trust God with what you cannot control, even when you don’t understand. He is sovereign over all creation. He is worthy of worship.
Will you invite Jesus into your boat?
Read the entire story in Matthew 14:22-34, Mark 6:45-53, and John 6:16-21.
