Sea of Galilee

From my journal 2/28/2020 Today we went to the sea of Galilee and rode a boat, to remind us of when Peter walked on the water and Jesus calmed the raging sea. Pastor Robby spoke that just because you’re in a storm does not mean that Jesus is absent. It was a powerful time. I cried and prayed for Tim since he was given 90 day notice at work. He will train his oversea replacement and will have a severance package. We prayed and praised the Lord in unity on the ship. It was very freeing.

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Our first full day in Israel, we started the morning with a stroll down from the hotel to the Sea of Galilee. More than any other site we visited, this one ministered to me the most. I had gotten news just before we left New York that one of my children lost a child to miscarriage. The heartache in my child’s voice, the uncontrolled tears, and the knowledge that I was not there to console in person, broke my heart. Then, just before leaving for breakfast, I learned that my husband was told he would be laid off from his job. I had so much on my mind, it was hard for me to focus on the fact I was in Israel.

As I stood there looking out at the sea, I was reminded of Jesus speaking to the same waves saying “Be Still.” Then Pastor Robby spoke a word about peace, and we prayed for each other in small groups. God calmed the storm in me; the peace carried me through not only the trip, but the months following. I had such a peace about me, that when other’s asked about how my husband or child were, I had to stop and think about why they would be asking. It was definitely a peace that surpassed my understanding!

Most of Jesus’ ministry was around the sea of Galilee. Jesus called the first disciples from the shore of Galilee.

 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:18-19

Jesus walked on the sea of Galilee.

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33