John 6:16-23 (NIV)
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,
17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.
18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.
20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.
23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
In this passage, we see the disciples experience fear and Jesus’ peace amid the storm. As evening fell, the disciples got into the boat to cross the lake. However, a sudden storm arose, and the winds were fierce. Despite their best efforts, they were struggling. In the midst of this, they saw something unbelievable: Jesus walking on the water, drawing closer to them. At first, they were terrified, but Jesus calmly spoke, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
This is not just a moment of comfort for the disciples but also a call for each of us in our storms. Jesus reminds us that even when external circumstances are chaotic and unsettling, He is the source of our peace. He is the strength and guidance we need in our journey through life’s challenges.
In the midst of the storm, we often feel helpless and afraid, but true peace doesn’t come from the external calm; it comes from walking with Jesus.
When the disciples accepted Jesus into the boat, they immediately arrived at their destination (John 6:21). This shows us that when we invite Jesus into our lives and every decision, He guides us to peace and to where we need to be.
Often, we become overwhelmed by external pressures and distractions, like the disciples focusing on the storm rather than Jesus walking toward them. But He calls out to us: “Don’t be afraid, trust in Me.” This is a reminder for us: in the storm, we need to cling to Jesus’ promises and trust in His guidance.
Just as Jesus said to the disciples, “It is I; don’t be afraid,” in the storms of life, He is the only source of peace. If we follow Him closely, we can have peace beyond our circumstances.
No matter the storm we face, Jesus is calling us. Let us always seek Him in the midst of the chaos, invite Him into our “boat,” and let His peace fill our lives.
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