I’m sure some are asking “why did he select this passage for such a time as this?” and understandably so.
If you think it’s true that Jesus walked on water, you’re right. If you think the miracle stops there, you’re wrong.
Most people refer to this passage as where Jesus Walked on Water. And it ends there. Since God created the world and all the laws which govern it’s properties, then certainly He could step outside of the ordinary to walk on water. There’s no debate about that.
But his passage goes further than that. For me, I see that this passage teaches that God comes to man during his time of need, reaches out his hand and lifts him up. To me, the fact that the Almighty Creator of the Universe would condescend to man is a far greater miracle than walking on water. This miracle, this eternal truth, continues to touch our lives today - if we allow it. Right now is a time of need for the family and friends -----left behind.
A time such as this presents a lot of questions.
Some would ask “Why me?”
And certainly that would be understandable for this family since they have encountered 4 deaths within the past year.
Knowing (widow) as I do - I feel her question would not be “why me,” rather:
“Why now?” or maybe better yet
“What now?”
Regardless of how we try to prepare ourselves, we are never quite ready to face the reality of death. Somehow - what we know in our head never quite translates to knowing it in our hearts. Other questions will be asked silently such as “What’s next?”
Scripture teaches us:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6
also:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28
I hope you will look to these passages during the dark times and that you will see the truth contained in them and experience the comfort they offer.
Some would see this as the end - and yet - for the ------ family - it will be the beginning of a new chapter of life. My hope is that the many Christian friends will continue to support them long after the flowers have faded. Without denial - there will be a period of loneliness and adjustment. During those times - please remember that the Bible tells us many times:
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Heb 13:5
(Widow) - in the future there will times when you catch yourself going to tell (deceased)something and he will not be there.
(Son) - there may be times in the future when you’ll catch yourself thinking, “I need to ask Dad what he thinks” - and the reality of his death will become more real then than now.
Shopping for Christmas presents and birthday gifts will be different because with each passing year you will be reminded that (deceased)is no longer with us. It may not be easy. The meaningful things in life are seldom quick, cheap or easy. But - it will be in those difficult times when your faith in Jesus will sustain you. Why? Because the awareness of your need for God in your life will be greater than before. And that’s when Jesus comes to us. That’s when he lifts us from the turbulent waters that threaten to take us under. It is in times such as those when we call out to Jesus and he reaches his hand out to us to lift us from those concerns which cloud our minds and blur our vision.
Notice 2 things about the closing of the scripture passage:
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
First:
Jesus stayed with Peter until they reached the boat or - a place of safety. He was with him through the remainder of the storm. Not only did Jesus reach out to Peter during his time of need - but he stayed close by until the winds died down. It was there that a sense of calm enveloped the disciples.
(Widow) -I promise you that Jesus will stay with you also during the difficult moments of life.
Second:
The disciples responded by praising and worshiping Jesus. He had brought them through a scary and potentially life threatening period of life. They recognized him as truly being the Son of God.
In closing, I recall two gospel songs from my youth. The first is Precious Memories.
(Widow, Son), family - you have many memories of (Deceased) from better times. Hold on to those. They will bring smiles to your face many times in the days ahead. However, do not dwell in the past - for life is not there. Look to the future and keep your focus on Jesus.
The second song is Does Jesus Care - and I think it says it all.
The second verse says:
Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks
Does he care for me? Does he see?
Oh yes he cares! I know he cares.
His heart is touched with my grief.
When the days are dreary; the long nights weary
I know -I know that Jesus cares!
Prayer
