Learning From Life’s Disasters

Learning From Life’s Disasters

Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. Mt 14:27

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Matthew 14:22-33

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

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Many years ago, Christian Horizons began a small summer camp ministry in the
state of Michigan. We rented a campsite from a university. There is a quiet
meandering road that runs beside a stream. Engineers from a previous generation
had built a dam where the stream reached a strategic place in the valley. Beside this
rather rustic but picturesque roadside setting is a small general store and, if my
memory serves me well, a few cabins in need of repair. Some person with a weird
sense of humour had obviously taken the dam into consideration and called the
village ‘Hell.’ I was able to tell family friends that I had driven through ‘Hell’ to get
to the Christian Horizons camp. They were happy that I had been to ‘Hell’ and
back. I feel sure that there are some people who don’t have much cause to enjoy the
questionable humour of this little story. They are in the midst of rather desperate
circumstances and they simply want to get out of the situation and back into what
might be described as a normal life — if such is ever to be the case again.

Our Scripture speaks of a storm. Jesus came and the storm persisted! Now Jesus
tells them not to be afraid. The apostle Peter’s response was remarkable. He asks
for a call. He asks to leave the storm-tossed ship and to venture into an unknown
and untried experience. I can’t image anyone wanting to leave the ship, even in
calm weather, so that they can see if they can stand on the water. I’ve been told that
ancient writings from Egypt have depicted two feet on waves. The interpretation is
that this is a description of the divine. God alone can walk on water.
Peter walked on water!

There are times when it is enough to know that Jesus is with you and that you are
not forgotten. Sometimes He speaks to you in the stillness of the night. At other
times, it may be through a dear friend who has come as ambassador for Jesus.
There are stories told by some of the sufficiency of God to see them through a
distressing time. In fact, there are times when visits with such people bring a
unique sense of awe as we see God living in lives that have so many obstacles.

Some, like Peter, say things like, “I don’t have anything here worth holding on to.
Maybe it is time I stepped out and trusted God for His blessing.” It may seem to
onlookers that you are giving up the little that you have for a hope. But you are

convinced that this is not a whimsical hope, but hope born out of a deep, sure trust
in God revealed to those who are prepared to forsake all and follow Him.

Whatever the circumstances, the Scriptures are clear that it is God’s will that
disciples of Jesus serve others in distress. Many of you who read this devotion
today are living a blessed life, with resources sufficient to share. So today, as the
opportunity avails itself, let’s care for those who are especially tested at this time.
Maybe you could give them a call or have a coffee with them. Maybe they need a
caring ear to hear their concerns and, although you don’t have the answers, it might
be enough to commit to walking with them as they face tomorrow’s challenges.
Our resources of time, energy and understanding, along with our ability to approach
God directly, can have a powerful impact on behalf of another person. There are
also times when they need someone to advocate for them when their
strength fails them. Let’s do some lifting today.

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Heavenly Father, how can I help to support people who are feeling forsaken right
now? Can You use me to advocate for them? I know that You have a wonderful
way of bringing blessing out of troublesome times in our lives. Please bless me as I
seek to bring your blessings to another day. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.