“22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33)
Jesus sends his disciples off by boat, remaining alone to pray and lament the tragic death of his mentor, John the Baptist. A storm threatens to wreck the Apostles’ boat and Jesus walks on the water in their direction. Frightened by this supernatural incident, the Apostles calm down once they realize that the figure appearing before them is indeed their teacher. Jesus instructs Peter to stand beside him on the water. However, Peter hesitates and begins to drown. Jesus stretches out his hand to help him and scolds him for being a non-believer like the others. Jesus and Peter enter the boat and the wind ceases. The Apostles understand that Jesus is the Son of God, as he can command the forces of nature to do his bidding. Their faith in his powers and ministry has never been stronger. Life is filled with storms and fierce winds but, as true believers, we must always persevere against any challenge. Even the darkest or stormiest of times are followed by an era of light and salvation. All we need to do is be patient and not lose faith.
Like faith, certainty is knowing, without a doubt, that we are creations of God and that all we experience is good.
