The Voice of Jesus in the Storm
by John McDuff Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid. Mark 6 50 Jesus lives, his people
may dispel their misgivings, for omnipotence treads the waves. To sense it may seem at times
to be otherwise, accident and chance may appear to regulate
human allotments, But not so. The Lord's voice is upon the
waters. He sits at the helm, guiding
the tempest-tossed bark, and guiding it well. How often does
He come to us as He did to the disciples, in that midnight hour,
when all seems lost, in the fourth watch of the night, when we least
looked for Him, or when, like the shipwrecked apostle, when
neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm
continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. How often, just at that moment,
is the word of Jesus heard floating over the billows, take courage,
it is I, do not be afraid. Believer, are you in trouble? Listen to the voice in the storm.
It is I, do not be afraid. He seems to say, It was I, who
roused the storm. It is I, who when it has done
its work, will calm it and say, Peace, be still. Every wave rolls
at my bidding, every trial is my appointment. All have some
gracious end. They are not sent to dash you
against the sunken rocks, but to waft you nearer to heaven. Is it sickness? I am he who ordained
your sickness. The weary, wasted frame, and
the nights of languishing, were sent by me. Is it bereavement? I am the brother born for adversity. Your loved and lost were plucked
away by me. Is it death? I am the abolisher
of death, seated by your side to calm the waves of ebbing life. It is I, about to fetch my pilgrim
home. It is my voice that speaks. The
Master has come and calls for you. Reader, you will have reason
yet to praise your God for every such storm. This is the history
of every heavenly voyager. So He brings them to their desired
haven. And what, then, should your attitude
be? Looking unto Jesus, looking away
from self and sin and human props and earthly refuges and confidences,
and fixing the eye of unwavering and unflinching faith on a reigning
Saviour. Ah, how a real quickening sight
of Christ dispels all guilty fears! Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.