But sometimes our world grows dark, and Jesus seems to tarry. Sometimes conditions worsen, as they did for the disciples. We look for Jesus but we cannot see Him. At times like this John 6: 16-20 can take on deep meaning for us. The disciples rowed furiously trying to save themselves. Then they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. Predictably, this spectacular and unnatural act frightened them. Then Jesus said, “It is I; be not afraid.” Jesus was inviting them to trust Him in the most frightening circumstances. He was asking them to believe even when it seemed impossible.
Jesus knows the best time to act. When you feel that He has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that He has a time schedule that we can’t see. His timing is perfect. It is easy to become impatient while waiting for Him to act, but we must never give up.
We can look for Jesus in our darkness and our troubles. Things may get worse, but He will come to us too, as He did to the apostles in the boat, in His own way and time. He can calm your rocking boat. Watch for Him and listen for His words above the storms of life. In our darkest places Jesus comes to us and says to not be afraid.
“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 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. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
John 6:16-20