One of the more familiar episodes in the gospels is found in Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus’ disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee while Jesus is praying on a mountain alone. The disciples are in the middle of the sea, “tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary” (vs 24). When the disciples see Jesus walking on the water they fear that it is a ghost. When Jesus reassures them, Peter says, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (vs 28). As Peter walks on the water to go to Jesus, “ he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” (vs 30). “Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” We live in stormy times. Our nation is divided in a way that hasn’t been seen in a hundred years. Trust in institutions such as the government and media is almost non-existent. In some states churches have been ordered by government officials not to meet for worship. People don’t seem to be interested in trying to resolve differences. It is a matter now of “you’re either for us or against us”. With so much trouble in the world, what is a Christian to do? First, we must not let the chaos around us distract us. We must keep our eyes firmly on the Lord and strive always to do His will. Secondly, we must never doubt that God is in control. Peter doubted and began to sink. We must keep our faith and our trust in God strong. In Romans 8:35 the apostle Paul asked the question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Paul’s answer to this question is…”neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vs 38-39). When the storms of life come, remember Who we serve. ”Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” (Mark 4:39-41).