The miracles of Jesus - Classical Christian Literature by Athleo.net

WALKING ON THE SEA 215
confidence in the Most High can no more be injured
by the trials of earth, than the stately mountain can
be overthrown by the furious elements that beat
against its brow.
2. You sometimes get into storms when on the path
of duty.
The disciples on this occasion had been commanded
to take this voyage ; they were doing what
was unquestionably their duty ; they were simply
following the instructions of the Master. It is very
probable, therefore, that
they were astounded at the
result. When Jonah was commissioned to go to
Nineveh to declare the wrath of God against the
wickedness of the city, we are told that he preferred
going to Tarshish, thus ignoring the command of
Jehovah. And what was the consequence There
was a great storm at sea, and the ship in which he
had embarked was well-nigh lost. But surely he had
no reason to complain ; he had no right to be
astonished ;
for he had brought himself into difficulties
simply through doing wrong. It was very
different in the case before us. These men were
blameless ; nay, more, they were praiseworthy, for
they were endeavouring to the utmost of their power
to carry out the will of their Lord. And yet they
were for this very reason brought to death's door.
I
should not wonder a bit if their faith began to forsake
them. But they knew not yet what a glorious
deliverance was prepared for them—knew not that
this bitter trial would end in strengthening their faith
in God.
We are sometimes told, " Do what is right, and
you will not suffer." That has a very plausible