- Matthew 14:22–33 - And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
- Matthew 8:23–26 - And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
- John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Expectations far from reality sometimes hinder us from seeing the faithful love and tender care of Jesus. It was night. A strong wind was blowing, and waves were crashing against the boat. The disciples were in a small boat in the middle of the sea, and the situation had become a crisis—but Jesus was not with them. He was on the mountain praying. Perhaps in the middle of the storm, the disciples thought that Jesus had forgotten them. But He knew exactly where they were and what they were going through. Jesus is all-knowing, and therefore He knows our situation at every moment. No darkness can hide us from Him, no trial can stop Him from seeing us. We are always seen, known, and understood by Him. Jesus came to the disciples—He comes to us as well. But at first, they did not understand Who was walking on the water. Jesus often does not come as we expect. Our ideas about how He should act can confuse us and hinder us from seeing how close He actually is. Experiencing the presence of Jesus in difficult times teaches us important truths. In the midst of the storms, they learned Who Jesus was and what He was capable of. Let us pray that we have spiritual eyes capable of discerning the Lord's presence. And then, let us hear His voice and be obedient.
Reflection
What hinders you from feeling the presence of Jesus in the stormy situations of your life?
