The Sea of Galilee was a highlight for many of us on the trip to Israel. It was so serene and beautiful. Several of us boarded our boat called "Faith" and began to sail out on the lake. After a few minutes our captain shut off the engines and in the silence we began to think of all the things Jesus did on and around this lake. He called his disciples to be "fishers of men" on this lake. Jesus walked on this water and Peter attempted it as well. Jesus taught His truth to people around this lake. He healed people, called people, helped people, cast out demons, all around this beautiful lake. He cooked breakfast in a resurrected body by this lake and restored Peter to the ministry He had called him to fulfill.
As we contemplated all the wonderful things Jesus did by and on this lake our eyes began to fill with tears. I began to realize why Jesus loved this place so much.
Of all that Jesus did on this lake, I think my favorite story about this lake is found in Matthew 8. It's the story of Jesus calming the storm that came up on this "sea". Our boat captain informed us that he had personally seen waves up to 21 feet high on the Sea of Galilee. So Jesus instructs his disciples to get on the boat with him to cross to the other side. When they got in the ship, Jesus fell asleep. The storm rose up and the disciples were fearful and faithless. Jesus was awakened and rebuked the storm and used this opportunity to teach his followers. You can read this story for yourself in Matthew 8: 23 - 27 / Mark 4:35-41 / Luke 8:22-25.
Sometimes our lives are like this crossing of the Sea of Galilee: filled with unexpected surprises and not all of them pleasant. But this story teaches us some great lessons.

1. Even though Jesus was on the ship, it did not keep the storm from striking. Jesus was with them but the storm still came. Even the fact that Jesus is in our lives does not mean we won't face storms.
2. Even though the storm was raging it did not keep Jesus from sleeping. What a perfect picture of trust in God. Jesus can sleep through a storm because He knows God is in control.
3. Even though Jesus was present, the disciples were still afraid. The disciples were so terrified that they woke Jesus up and said, "Lord, save us. We're about to drown!" This shows us that Christ followers can lapse into periods of doubt and fear in their lives.
4. Even though the disciples had little faith, the Lord Jesus still saved them. Jesus said to them, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" What a gracious Lord we serve. It's not the quantity of faith that is important it's the quality of our faith. It's not how much faith that matters it's in whom we place our faith that really matters. Jesus takes my little faith and still saves me.

So while we were on the Sea of Galilee, on a boat called "FAITH", my heart was filled with joy knowing that my faith was in the Lord Jesus Christ. He owns the sea. He owns the storm. And, he loves me.

Keep on trusting the Lord!

Pastor Tim