Help! Now!

From bad to worse, the rain and storms reveal the power of natural forces, and our own feebleness.

With increasing intensity, people are crying out for help, and in some places, that help is arriving.

Today's storms will add to the strains and stresses that many have been facing.

As well as the reality of flooding, many are also dreading it happening to them.

I was visiting a home in the highest part of Goldsworth Park last evening, where the children are fearful of being flooded out of their home, which lies 20 feet above the level of the Lake. I tried to reassure them that they would be safe in their home. I don't know whether they believed me!

Jesus and his disciples had many trips across the Sea of Galilee, and in one, Jesus walks on water, in order to join the struggling disciples. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus reassures them that it is indeed him. Then the story takes an interesting turn. 'Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. 

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said.“Why did you doubt me?” 

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.' (Matthew 14.27-33)

it was the sight of the strong wind and the waves that caused Peter to doubt the power of Jesus to keep him walking on the water. His cry for help was immediately answered, which was just as well, as delay would have been terminal!

But, as with the other 'storm on the Lake' story, Jesus asks “Why did you doubt me?” He is constantly wanting to develop his disciples' capacity to trust him in all circumstances. For Jesus, it seems as though every moment is a training and teaching opportunity.

Today, while all of us will face various forms of the strong wind and the waves, we can learn to trust him. 

Our answers may not come as quickly as they did in this story, but Matthew tells us this story, so that we may share this experience. When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.'

Best wishes,

Richard