Rough Water

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. —Matthew 8:23, 24, NIV

Have you ever been on a ship in the middle of a storm? Well, I have! My husband and I traveled to Guatemala for an evangelistic campaign. At the end of the campaign, the hosts took us sightseeing around the country. One sight was Lake Atitlán.

This lake is notable because, at certain times of the day, the tide gets rough, and it becomes quite difficult to navigate. I would never shy away from taking a boat ride on a lake, and so we did just that. Heading back to the boat to start the return trip, I felt somewhat apprehensive when I noticed that the men who were crewing the boat had begun to put on their life jackets. They had not done so on the previous trip. Then they instructed us to put on our life jackets and to place some additional cushioning on our seats. Feeling uneasy, I prayed to God, asking for His care. We never imagined what we were about to experience! As we started to cross the lake, the waters churned, and the ship bounced unsteadily atop the waves.

We had to be careful not to strike our heads against the roof of the boat. It hurt every time the ship was slammed by the waves or tossed about on the fierce waters. More frightening was the sound of the boat moaning against the pressure of the waves. It seemed the ship would break into pieces at any moment. How grateful we were to God that He brought us safely through the surrounding storm. When I read Matthew 8:24, I think of the disciples and how, like them, we try to fight the storms of our lives on our own.

We become terrified, helpless, and are about to give up, just like the disciples that night on the Sea of Galilee. Where is God? He is right there.

Our Savior waits to hear us say, “Lord! Save us. Lord, help me. I can do nothing more on my own. I am sinking, Lord. This problem is too great, and my strength is failing me.” At that moment, He will rise to calm the storm that threatens to destroy us.

Let us not wait until the last moment when divine help is right beside us.

Call on Him, and watch to see what He will do on your behalf.

Damaris Prieto