The Lord of the tempest

"When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong winf was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and comign near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going." - John 6:16-21.

This passage contains some very practical material for Christians battling through the hardship of everyday life in a sinful, fallen world. When we are labouring into the headwinds of sadness and seem to be making either no or very little ground, we can rest secure knowing that Jesus is watching over us (Mk 6:48, Mt 28:20). In the midst of the tempest that is life, His loving eyes are set upon us and the warm blanket of His sovereignty gives us hope (Rom. 8:28).

Another thing we can learn from the passage is that Jesus' timing is often not as we would expect.
In the corresponding passage in Mark, we are told, "he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night  he came to them, walking on the sea." (6:48). Christ, their Lord and Saviour as well as ours, saw their distress and had compassion. More compassion than we could ever feel for one another as fellow heirs with Christ. Yet he did not act right away. It was not until the fourth watch of the night that he made his way across the Sea of Galilee to calm their weary hearts.

The Lord knows what is best for us. As we battle and struggle and fall in this life of sacrifice, we can rest assured that our victory or failure is not dependent on the strength of our faith, but rather the smallest seed of trust in the grace of God that has been earned for us in the flowing blood of Christ is what will see us through the strongest storm. The family promise that God has given to His children is true, and remains true despite us feeling it in the midst of turmoil. A gospel of health, wealth and prosperity is a vain balm for the wounds of saints. Only the family promise that God has freely given to His children in His Son is true, and remains true despite us feeling it in the midst of turmoil.

So remember, child of heaven, beloved of God. God loves you. He loves you the same in the heaviest trial, when your heart and mind scream otherwise. May we together see the Lord pass by us (Mk. 6:48), showing us His glory as our Substitute, Saviour and Friend, even amongst the howling winds of our hearts.