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“Jesus made the disciples get into a boat, and when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:45-46).
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This is the first time that the disciples are without Jesus. And what happens?
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Disaster strikes!
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While they’re in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, a major storm hits – one large enough to cause even professional fishermen to fear they’re drowning!
Meanwhile, Jesus tries passing them by – as if nothing wrong is happening.
Still, they see him, mistaking him for a ghost.
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Was this a test?
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Perhaps.
Keep in mind, the disciples just witnessed Jesus feed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish.
If he can perform a miracle like that, then why would they fear for their own safety? Shouldn’t they trust in him?
We’d casually say, “Of course.” And yet, “their hearts were hardened.”
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Like the disciples, there are times in our lives when it feels like the waves are overwhelming. We’re drowning in debt; we’re drowning in grief, doubt, or sorrow.
But if Jesus has led us this far in life, then why would he abandon us now?
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“Take courage,” the Lord says. “do not be afraid. It is I.”
Whenever life causes us to lose our balance – like fishermen staggering on a boat – we must trust that the Lord is near.
He has the power to calm the storm – and he will – but sometimes we must wait in patience.