Even the Wind

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Yesterday I had the privilege to be out on a boat with the Presiding Bishop and Richard Schori. A local fisherman and friend took us out on the water for a 2 hour trip so that Bishop Katharine could understand Sitka from the water. It was an overcast day, mild by our standards, and the wind was calm. A perfect day. I have been out on the water in times when that was not the case, when the sea and the wind were conspiring to keep us from returning home. The exhilaration and joy of life on the water can quickly turn to panic and disaster.

Jesus was asleep while the storm came up. The disciples were rightly terrified, as they knew all too well a bad storm could end their lives. Jesus took control of the wind and the waves. We know that, even with all the modern equipment we have, trouble can find us on the water. And yet, Jesus took control of the storm and saved the lives of the disciples. And even more, he reminds us that God is with us in the midst of life's worst seas, when trouble batter us, and heartache try to drown us.

Today I ask God to renew my trust and help me to remember to seek God in every storm of life. May we all deepen our trust today, knowing that God's is active in the worst storms. May we cry out in every challenge, believing that God's love can turn the tide of fear and pain.