· A Picture of Panic
This is a picture of peril and it is a picture of panic! Momentary panic. We thought they were scared of the storm, but no, that was nothing compared to the panic that seized hold of them as they saw what looked like a ghost coming towards them.
We are so quick to panic at times, some yes, are more gifted in the art of panicking than others. Some of us may manage to throw ourselves into a real frenzy over many things that others might consider to be relatively small concerns. But telling panic-stricken people not to panic or worried people not worry, is not a rule of thumb seen to be overly helpful! If someone came to me and said ‘ now Sheila, I don’t want you to panic, but’ I would immediately interpret that as ‘ O no, I should get ready to panick!’
Jesus is the great rule breaker. And as these big strong men are crying out in fear and panic Jesus says; ‘don’t be afraid’, and the reason for them to not be afraid comes as they hear the words amidst the storm, ‘It is I’ - Jesus has not let them down, abandoned them...
When we are doing the will of God we may still encounter storms. We may wonder why. But the boat will not capsize; the winds will not sweep you out to sea. The evil one will not consume us. Amidst the storms of life hear the words: ‘It is I’. Jesus is with us – keep on rowing! The quiet waters and the green pastures are within us. He never lets us down.
· A Picture of Peter
And that brings us back to the picture of Peter, he who had never done it before. Would probably never do it again, but for one, mad, dizzy, amazing, extreme moment he does some water-walking. Jesus said, ‘come’ – so he did! He had wanted to but hadn’t been sure that he should do so; could do so. But Jesus says, ‘come’, and he jumps overboard. It’s the bravest thing Peter ever did prior to Pentecost!
He desired to be with Jesus. He wanted to do what Jesus did. Despite the raging storm he took the risk. After all, it was Jesus who had sent them out there in the first place. He knew in these moments that the One who had placed him out there in the danger zone, would bring them safely back home. And he came to know that if in the mean time he should begin to sink, Jesus would answer prayer.
‘Lord save me!’ Peter cries – and He did.
His prayer of necessity was brief but sincere. And although only three words were uttered, his simple plea was effective.
Peter had for one brief moment allowed the waves to overwhelm, flood his thoughts, but soon he was safe in the hands of the One who created the waves!
· Conclusion
When we find ourselves in the middle of a storm, while doing God’s will, learn from this story. The Creator of the waves is greater than the waves! He will not let us down. Keep trusting and you will be led by the quiet waters and green pastures…
MAJOR SHEILA LOMAN
Commanding Officer - Pastor
Birkenhead Corps UK
Excellent!
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