Why wouldn’t I be afraid?

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

It was a quiet night on the boat as the guys cast their nets in the water, eager to haul in a good catch. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a squall threatened to end it all for them. The winds howled, tossing the boat around like a toy. Water rushed over the sides threatening to capsize them. 

Just about the time the fishermen thought all was lost, somebody mustered the nerve to go down below to wake up Jesus who had somehow been sleeping through all the commotion.  Perplexed, he asked them, “Why are you afraid?” (Mt 8:26)

Hm. 

1. Wind tossing the boat around....
2. Water filling the hull....
3. Lightening threatening the mast and the boat itself....
4. Master sleeping like nothing is happening....

What kind of question is that? Of course we’re afraid. What else should we be feeling right about now? 

In the midst of the crisis the men were unable to focus on anything but the turmoil around them. So Jesus instantly calmed the storm and made sure everybody was okay. He really had their attention at this point and he was able to explain himself. 

I am God. 

I am Lord of all Creation — including the weather. 

I am all-powerful. 

I am not going to let life’s storms sink you. 

You can trust me. 

I have never lied to you before and I’m not going to start now. 

LORD, sometimes storms sneak up on us and we feel like we will surely perish. Help us to acknowledge that nothing we experience is too strong for you. You are master of the universe. You are mighty in power. And you, alone, can conquer our fears. Help us to trust you no matter what our circumstances might be. 

xssailing.com