After Jesus fed the five thousand, he insisted that the twelve disciples get in the boat and that they go across the lake to Bethsaida while he stayed with the people and sent them home. After everyone left, he went up into the hills to pray by himself. Meanwhile, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake and Jesus saw that they were in serious trouble. He saw them struggling to stay afloat going against the wind and waves. As they were struggling in the middle of the lake, Jesus started coming towards them, walking on the water. His initial intention was to go past the disciples, but when they started crying out in fear saying that it was a ghost, Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!” After he said that, he climbed into the boat and the storm suddenly and miraculously stopped.

Just as the disciples struggled to stay afloat in the storm, we also struggle to stay afloat in our personal storms every so often; whether it’s financially, emotionally, mentally, physically, or one of the many other challenges that come our way. Although it may seem hopeless and like the torture will never end, it will with the help of Jesus. When the disciples were stuck in that storm, they were terrified and didn’t know what to do, but it was in their struggle that Jesus showed up to help them. As soon as Jesus climbed into the boat, the storm stopped. When we put our trust in Jesus and allow him to intervene with our problems and take control, he will do just that. Without His help, we’ll never find our breakthrough; but when we let go and let God, amazing things can happen because all things are possible with God’s help (Matthew 19:26).

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping me stay afloat in my storms. Thank you for protecting me and for being my comfort and hope in my times of need. Thank you for always coming to my rescue and saving me. Lord, please help me let me go of my problems and surrender them to you, because it is when I let go that you work miraculously. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1. Mark 6:50 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B. (age 14)