Sometimes he calms the storm and sometimes he calms the sailor.

I’m sure we have all had some sort of trial in our lives at some stage. Some trials are long, and some are short. Some are completely different in nature, and some are similar. However, I’m sure we can all agree that there will always be some element that is unique to our circumstance. And as much as we try to prepare for what may be ahead, we will never fully know.

Jesus’ ministry can teach us a lot about these trials. Jesus performed 2 miracles that both happened on the Sea of Galilee.

The first is in Mark 4:35-39. Jesus was sound asleep in the boat while it was suddenly overcome by a big storm. The apostles in the boat tried everything they could to keep safe and to keep the boat from going under. But the storm was too great. The apostles were at the mercy of the waves crashing against the boat. They woke Jesus in desperation,  and he spoke and said “peace, be still”. At once the waters were calm. 

The second is in Matthew 14:22-33. The disciples had been sent out on a boat ahead of Jesus while he went to a nearby hill to pray. Again, a strong storm came and was making it hard for the boat to move very far. Jesus then met up with the disciples by walking on the water. When Peter saw him, Peter went to walk to him. While he was successful at first, fear took over and he started sinking. Jesus then rescued him.

Through both of these miracles, we can see that Jesus was always there. But depending on the situation, he chose to  either calm the storm or to calm the sailor. 

Just like these stories, we can find comfort in knowing that God is the creator of all things, and if it be His will, and through His power, we can find and have peace when the waves threaten to take us.

All of this and more is there to find in the Bible.