Walking Over Waves

The mere mention of a ‘Storm Warning’ sets off a nationwide frenzy, with people scrambling to secure milk, bread, and essentials. Storms have a way of unsettling our hearts with feelings of helplessness and fear. Let’s look at a journey through the unexpected storm faced by a group of 12 individuals.

Mark 6:48-50 (NKJV)- Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea … And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out… But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Opposition after obedience
Fairness, to us, means rewarding those who follow authority. In earlier verses we see that, Jesus urged (compelled) his followers to cross the Sea of Galilee, and they obeyed. However, they faced a fierce wind mid-journey. God’s grand design sometimes hides the purpose of storms initially. Here, God’s plan was to strengthen their faith.

Fourth watch of the night
In the Jewish context, the fourth watch of the night occurs around three o’clock in the morning. The disciples found themselves caught in a storm, tirelessly rowing for about 8-9 hours.

Although Jesus was not physically present on their journey, His Presence was always there. He was fully aware of the challenges they encountered. When solutions to our storms seem delayed compared to our expectations, hold onto the promises found in God’s Word, confident that He will indeed come through!

Ego Eimi – It is “I AM“
Amidst the storm’s fury, their hands worn and blistered from ceaseless rowing, and their spirits sinking in despair, the disciples couldn’t even recognize their Master. Yet Jesus was there to give them hope.
While the English translation renders Jesus’ words as “It is I,” the original Greek, “Ego Eimi,” carries a deeper meaning— “It is I AM.” This echoes the same divine expression God used in Exodus Chapter 3 during his conversation with Moses. In the midst of the tempest, these words served as a profound reassurance to the weary fishermen, evoking memories of God’s past miracles. This declaration sparked faith by recalling the enduring legacy of God’s miracles.

Strolling On Stormy Waves
The term used for type of walking Jesus did, is similar to a leisurely and relaxed walk on a beach. Jesus was walking in confidence, knowing that this storm just needs a word from Him. After having spent the preceding hours in prayer and communion with His Father, there was no need for Him to panic. He wanted to teach the disciples that they too could look at the storms of life and walk over them in faith.

Life Application
As we face our storms of uncertainty, sickness, financial burdens, mental turmoil, and sleepless nights, here are some lessons we can learn:
1. Remember His promises: In Matthew’s narration of this event, we see that the last command He gave was, “cross over to the other shore.” Know that if God directed you to a situation, He is also able to complete what He has begun.
2. Remember His Presence: When the roaring of storms tries to instill fear, remember that His Presence has gone before us and is with us always. Deuteronomy 31:8 says:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
3. Remember His past wonders: Take a moment to remember what God did for you in the past storms of life, how He parted your Red Sea, and brought down your walls of Jericho. He is writing your story and testimony through these storms!

May this year be the one we walk in the freedom of knowing that Jesus has overcome the world, and He is always with us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.