15th January

Wind and waves

There were twelve men in a boat who oared at three o' clock in the morning. They struggled in the night and tried to reach the shore in spite of heavy waves and head wind. Their day was well filled and now they are tired. Although they were tired they had to continue crossing the stormy night.

Why did the Lord permit this situation? He even had forced them into the boat to cross the lake.

Did he not know that there would be a storm? Could he not have ordered the wind not to blow? They were exhausted: why not stop and return there where they came from? Anyhow the Master who was not present did not do anything to help them.

When we have storms in our lives we have similar thoughts. Sorrow, illness, setbacks at school or at work seem insurmountable. Let us read the end of the story: "He went into the boat and the wind calmed down."

Knowing that before the test starts God has prepared a way out, we should trust these certainties even if we do not understand his goal for us. He always wants the best for his children.