...and there arose a great storm

Those prophetic words could have been written for today. Here in Texas there were dire predictions for dangerous conditions as the result of a cold front that brought with it freezing sleet and icy roads. Schools announced last night that they would be closed today and many businesses have told their employees to stay home and be safe. Looking outside, it is quite pretty with the flakes flying through the air. The heater is on in the house, our kitty is inside and all are safe and warm.

But that was not the case for the disciples one night as they struggled with wild winds and high waves on the Sea of Galilee. The gospel of Mark sets the scene. Jesus had been teaching a great multitude and he told them the parable of the Sower. Jesus himself is the Sower and the seeds are the Word of God. He illustrates how those 'seeds' fall on different types of soil, much as the Word of God falls on different hearts. His disciples must have soaked up every word he spoke but hours later they would be put to the test. Following his day of teaching and healing he told them to send away the multitude and go into a ship, probably one of Peter's fleet, as they were accompanied by a few other ships. A great storm arose with strong winds and high seas. These men were experienced fishermen and this was not their first encounter but this storm frightened them. The ship filled with water and they feared for their lives. Jesus was in the back of the ship, asleep on a pillow. Nothing about that storm seems to have disturbed his rest. But they awakened him saying 'Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
Had they grasped the full import of who he was, God's own beloved son, how could they have thought that God would let that boat sink with him aboard?
Rembrandt painted this scene in 1633. It shows Jesus calming the waves. It is the only seascape he ever painted. It is widely believed, because of the fourteen people in the boat, that Rembrandt painted himself into the boat along with the twelve disciples and Jesus. The crew member looking out towards the viewer of the painting may be a self-portrait.
Jesus arose. He lifted up his thought even as he lifted up his body. He was secure in His father's care and aware of his dominion over all the earth and the sea. He said, "Peace, be still" and there was a great calm.
Perhaps some of the tumult was a reflection of how the disciples were feeling, their shifting thoughts as they spent time with the Master hearing his words and seeing the miracles that he did.
Some 'storms' come upon us as we spend sincere time in prayer working out some challenge in our lives. We have read the many authenticated healings published in Science and Health and in the Christian Science periodicals for over 100 years. And yet, when faced with something that seems like an overwhelming force we cannot control or overcome, we fearfully turn to God for help. What we need to pray about is not the situation which seems so real, but our fear of it, as if something could exist that God could not and would not cause. God will never let you sink!
I recently came across a poem by Edith Mapes. One verse reads: When the thunder's roarin' and the torrents pourin' and sweeping in the tide, when we're rowin', rowin, and our courage goin', O Lord, support us, on the leanin' side."
That reminds me of the first line in Science and Health, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
If a 'great storm' seems to loom over you, choose to lean on God, knowing He is there for you, loving you and keeping you safe by His mighty power and love.