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From Heaven With Love
The Storm Within the Disciples’ Hearts
The memory of that precious, glorious day should have filled
them with faith and hope, but they had forgotten it all. Their thoughts
were stormy and unreasonable, and the Lord gave them something
else to afflict their souls and occupy their minds. God often does this
when men create burdens and troubles for themselves. The disciples
had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast approaching.
A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were
unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, and when the gale
struck they were afraid. They forgot their disaffection, unbelief,
and impatience. Everyone worked to keep the boat from sinking.
In ordinary weather the journey required but a few hours; but now
they were driven farther from the point they sought. Until the fourth
watch of the night they toiled at the oars. Then the weary men gave
themselves up for lost. Helpless, they longed for the presence of
their Master.
The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling
with the tempest. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the
storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be
the light of the world. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy
ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given
them.
At the moment when they believed themselves lost, a gleam of
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light revealed a mysterious figure approaching on the water. But the
One who had come for their help, they counted as an enemy. Terror
overpowered them. Hands that had grasped the oars with muscles
like iron let go. The boat rocked at the will of the waves; all eyes
were riveted on this vision of a man walking on the white-capped
billows of the foaming sea.
They thought it a phantom that omened their destruction, and
they cried out for fear. Jesus advanced as if He would pass them,
but they recognized Him and entreated His help. His voice silenced
their fear, “It is I; be not afraid.”
As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter cried out,
“Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He
said, Come.”