Life goes on normally and comfortably at times but circumstances often pop up quite suddenly that have frightening possibilities. Such a scenario is recorded of Christ's own disciples while they were endeavoring to carry the Lord Jesus across a lake to minister to the crowds. It was a simple trip which they had, no doubt, often made in the course of their fishing trade. Jesus happened to be asleep in the back of the boat according to the details of St. Luke 8:23-24, "But as they sailed, Jesus fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy."
The disciples' familiarity with the lake did not include a storm of such intensity and as water began to fill their boat we read in the next verse they woke the Lord saying, "Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm."
We read of their amazement in verse 25: "And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him."
Notice the question they asked and that all who hear the Gospel must answer concerning Jesus Christ. The purpose of Christ's miracles was not only to demonstrate His great compassion for men but to answer the great question of who Jesus is. By this miracle Jesus gave evidence that He was, and is, who He claimed to be. The unique God-Man, the Messiah and Savior of the world, and the Son of the living God.
As mortals, we all face threatening and frightening situations that suddenly appear on occasion. Some are experiencing such circumstances at this very moment. One thing to remember is that our Heavenly Father is neither unaware or uncaring of our dangers and fears. Scripture tells us God has numbered the hairs on our heads and is aware of the fall of a sparrow. Furthermore, it is never too late nor too difficult for Jesus to bring deliverance and peace to our lives in the midst of frightening circumstances.
Psalms 32:6 says, "Let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him."
The word of the Lord promises that all who call on the name of the Lord, not only receive the blessing of eternal life, but have God's promise of strength, courage, and deliverance in threatening and frightening experiences.
Psalms 50:15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will glorify me."
n Gene Holman is pastor of Living Word Fellowship and is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
