Battered by Waves

              By this time the boat, battered by the waves, 

was far from the land, for the wind was against them.

Matthew 14:24

One of my adventures was a 50 mile Boy Scout canoe trip on Chesuncook Lake, ME. The 16 year old scout in my canoe was actually a paddle washer, meaning I worked and he merely dipped his paddle in the water. On our second day, a strong wind came up at our backs. The next day on our return trip, the wind was a strong headwind. I kept telling him to paddle harder or the wind would turn the canoe sideways and we might be swamped. Nothing changed, so I prayed, "Lord, motivate this scout". Unexpectedly a strong gust turned the canoe sideways, a wave broke over us, and the scout got soaked. Suddenly the Spirit moved within the scout who paddled as though his life depended on it for the rest of the day.

It's been a busy day for Jesus. Jesus hears about John's death and tries to go by boat to a quiet place. The crowds follow him so he lands and heals their sick. The crowds are hungry, so he feeds them loaves and fish. He tells the disciples to get in the boat, go on ahead and meet him on the other side while he prays on the mountain. Now it's nearly dawn, the wind has come up and the boat has been battered by waves all night. The exhausted disciples have been struggling to be afloat. Jesus approaches the boat telling the disciples its him. Peter's not sure so says to Jesus, "if its you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus does, and a frightened Peter steps out onto the chaotic sea and begins sinking. Peter says, "Lord save me." Jesus reaches out his hand and rescues him.

Who is Jesus is? The one who reaches to us as we struggle to stay afloat when we feel as though we are endlessly battered by waves. The one who reaches to us in our storms of life.