Photo by Susan PageThere were times in Jesus’ short ministry years on earth when He must have reached the point of total exhaustion.

Day after day Jesus walked for miles, performing healings, and releasing people from physical disease and mental bondage. There are passages in Matthew’s Gospel that record events where Jesus heals a leper, the Centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law. Naturally, word spread; this good news that there was a man who could do the miraculous, the result being that His work continued into the evening hours. Jesus did not punch a time clock. He gave and gave and gave again. The crowds brought many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out evil spirits with a word and healed the sick.

When it was time, Jesus told the disciples that they were going over to the other side. The method of transportation was a simple fishing boat. Matthew recounts the story in the following verses:

“And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8: 23-27)

Notice there arose a great storm and the boat was being swamped. I do not think the disciples, especially those who were avid fishermen would have gotten into the boat if they thought a storm was brewing. They could not check the weather network, but experience on the waters would have given them an indication as to whether they could make it to the other side in safety.

Storms can invade our lives without a lot of warning, seemingly coming out of nowhere. We have all experienced rough waters and unrest such as we have never experienced before, and we will continue to encounter storms until Jesus comes. I once heard a Pastor say, “When storms surprise us – let His Word sustain us.”

Jesus had already stated that they were going over to the other side. The disciples had just witnessed many miracles. So, why fear and panic? Well, I am sure we’ve all experienced moments of sheer panic if we are honest with ourselves.

The disciples believed they were perishing … death, by drowning. They looked at Jesus and saw that He was sleeping. How could He? I would think there was the physical exhaustion component and the fact that Jesus trusted His Father. God has supreme authority over creation! Jesus knew the Scriptures, He had them memorized as was displayed in His many teachings. I imagine Psalm 46 was one passage He took comfort from;

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (vs. 1-3).

Jesus is our overcomer, the anchor that will hold us fast. He is our peace amidst the storm. When the howling wind and raging seas block our sight and our ability to hear from the Father, keep rowing! As we row ask the question, “Is our faith in the storm or in Jesus?” Remember the line, “When storms surprise us – let His Word sustain us.”

While we may not all be in the same boat, we can urge one another to keep bailing and row together while we keep our eyes fixed on our Saviour, the One who calms the sea.

He will take us to the other side and what a place that will be! Our Jesus, the One who said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Jesus’ voice calms the storm. He is for us – to take us to the other side. 

 Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.