In June I was sailing with my Ohio family on Lake Erie. Arriving on Kelly’s Island with dense haze on the north horizon, we docked for lunch at West Bay Inn. The lunch was a definite Lake Erie lunch, a Perch sandwich for each of us. It was a hit. We took our time enjoying the company of one another since we only get to do this a couple times a year. When the time came to head out, we looked to the north where we saw the clouds hovered low, ominously dark, and foreboding. The top layer was rolling up and over the bottom. We knew that the water was no place to be. Sue, my sister-in-law who has had experience with tornados and water spouts turned an about face and headed back to the bar to hunker-down for the duration of the storm no matter how long it took. There was no way she was leaving this island until the storm had past. Honestly, I agreed with her and walked myself back to the bar to ask for a refill on my ice tea.
While I sat, I breathed in the sights, sounds and smells of this storm. My thoughts wandered back in history and focused on the story of the disciples crossing Lake Galilee with a storm whipping up and Jesus asleep in the boat. The disciples scurried about stowing the cushions and reefing the sail fearful of what was coming. They had experienced many terrible storms on this lake and knew what it was capable of producing. They trembled at the thought. Jesus was unfazed and still asleep. Was he comatose? He had to be, for between the gathering of the nets, putting on life jackets and keeping an ear on the weather radio alerts how could he sleep?? He had to wake up! Didn't he know by the activity around him that all hands were needed to avert a disaster? “Master, Master, we’re going to drown” someone yells above the sounds of flapping sails and pounding waves. Finally He awakens but he is calm and unshaken by the wind, waves, and darkening clouds of impending doom. What could he know that these fishermen didn't? Jesus exuded peace while they exuded fear. They were sure they were going to drown. They were fisherman; they knew from experience that this was a storm to fear! Before their very eyes Jesus got up and spoke directly to the winds and waves and they obeyed him. It became completely calm. “Where is your faith?” Jesus calmly asks them.
Our storm on Kelly’s Island passed and we began our tedious sail against the winds back to the marina. The thoughts of the Sea of Galilee were still swimming in my head. When have I doubted Jesus’ commitment to me, questioned his love, and forgotten his faithfulness? The disciples had seen the widow’s son brought to life, the Centurion’s daughter healed and heard God’s voice at Jesus’ baptism. In the middle of the storm overwhelmed with fear, they forgot.
Is your life a tumultuous storm? Does past experience tell you it is time to “be afraid”? The world news reports tell us to “be afraid”. The economic reports and maybe even our own economic situation says “be afraid”. Jesus is not tied by time or space. He knows what lies behind and what lies ahead. Not only what lies ahead tomorrow or next year but for eternity and that is a heck of a lot longer than one life here. Our part is to listen, rest in his arms and follow his lead.
As his beloved children we need to take inventory. Is Jesus in our boat? Is he afraid? Do we trust him no matter what? He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Even the wind and waves obey him. What storm in your life do you need to give him control of?
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