When Jesus began to teach beside the sea, a very large crowd gathered about Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it while the crowd sat on the land. After teaching them the whole day through many parables about the Kingdom of God, He asked His disciples to take Him on a ride to the other side, leaving the entire crowd behind. What seemed to be a little picnic turned to much panic! 

A great storm of wind arose and the waves beat into the boat so that the boat was already filling. Jesus, after a tiring day of ministry was sleeping on the cushion, in the stern of the boat, while the disciples feared that they would die. 

They were so peeved with Jesus that they woke Him up to ask if He really cared about them and their safety. Jesus awoke, rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea – “Peace! Be still” and the tempest ceased immediately. When there was great calm, the disciples learnt at least two important lessons in life - 

• Not to fear but to have faith when the storms blow.  

• That Jesus is in control over all of nature including the wind and the sea at all times. 

As we journey in the ocean of life, we should remember that the more we fear, more water will enter the boat. For Jesus never promised a life free from trials but cheered them up to overcome life’s troubles just as He overcame.  

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