I am a novice kayaker, and the last time when I was out with a kayaking group, I upset my kayak and fell into the water — not once, but twice! I was safe, though, because I was wearing a lifejacket and because the kayakers support each other and came to my rescue. Learning to read the water on the river, watching for rocks big and small on the riverbed, and having the right gear are all important when kayaking. When we went through the rapids, the most experienced kayaker led the way. It was a lovely day on the water, but exhausting, and I will admit, scary at times, too.

There was another boat in a scary situation on the water so long ago. I will set the scene: imagine this event. The wind is howling; the sky overhead is dark with heavy clouds. Thunder and lightning are crashing and booming. The rain is pouring, and the boat is rocking up and down in the high waves. Water is splashing into the boat, and some very frightened disciples are clinging to the gunwales. Some of these disciples are experienced fishermen, a hearty lot at that, and prior to following Jesus, they were on the water fishing for a living. Nevertheless, they are scared, very scared of what might happen to them in this furious storm.

Mark 4:38-41 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (NIV)

Jesus assumes that they had no reason to be afraid, as He was with them. The disciples had a real example of Jesus' power over all circumstances. When we read of this event in our Bible, it reinforces our belief that God is with us in the storms of our lives, too. It is easy to think that we can get through our trials on our own, but remember — we are not alone. Just as the experienced kayaker led the way through the rapids for the rest of us, Jesus is here leading our way through the rough and calm waters of our lives. We just have to reach out to Him in faith through our prayers.

Prayer: God, thank You for leading us through all our good days and not-so-good days. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Nettle <sharonnettle7@gmail.com>
Keady, Ontario, Canada
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