Our scripture today is a very straightforward story of Jesus and his disciples near the Sea of Galilee — a primary place for Jesus’ ministry. Regular movement in the area by boat would have been normal. But this particular storm is so violent it scares even the disciples, who were lifelong fishermen. They knew this lake. Yet, in their fear and frustration they actually shout at Jesus and ask directly if he even cares about them. They are convinced that they are all about to die. Jesus’ exhaustion at ministering to crowds of people is obvious because he sleeps through the storm. As he awakens he speaks to the waves and the water immediately becomes still. The disciples are now as surprised about the stillness as they have been fearful of the waves. It’s as if they are saying to themselves, who is this person and what have we gotten ourselves into? 

We look at this story and we are drawn to the immediate responses of the waves to Jesus’ commands and, like the disciples, we are amazed at such power over nature. But shouldn’t we also be amazed at a promise fulfilled? That promise was in verse 35 when Jesus simply said “Let us go over to the other side.” His guidance to get in the boat and row him away from the crowds of people is clear: what is just as clear is that Jesus has made a simple declaration (with an implicit promise) that as they started across the water, they would surely make it to the other side. 

CHildHope is always in need of miracles. We sometimes say we need a miracle a day just to stay afloat! We can expect God to show up in those moments where we are simply overwhelmed, overmatched and out of strength. But we also we need to hear the promise from this story in God’s word. His empowering Holy Spirit is here before our needs arise and is with us, even in life’s most painful moments when we think the waves are about to take us under!