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 people create burdens and troubles for themselves. The disciples had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast approaching.HH 171.4

A violent storm had been silently coming their way, and they were unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, and when the gale struck they were afraid. They forgot their resentments, unbelief, and impatience. Everyone worked to keep the boat from sinking. In ordinary weather, the journey took only a few hours, but now they were driven farther from where they were going. They labored at the oars until around three o’clock in the morning. Then the weary men gave themselves up for lost. Helpless, they longed for the presence of their Master.HH 171.5

The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. With deepest care 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 and their unholy ambition silenced, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them.HH 171.6

At the moment when they believed themselves lost, a gleam of light revealed a mysterious figure approaching on the water. But they thought that the One who had come for their help was 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.HH 172.1

They thought it was a phantom that was a sign of their destruction, and they cried out in fear. Jesus kept walking as if He would pass them, but they recognized Him and begged for His help. His voice silenced their fear: “It is I; do not be afraid.”HH 172.2

As soon as they could believe this wonderful fact, Peter called out, “‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’”HH 172.3