Although the wind is still whipping and whirling unrestrained around him, a strange stillness has suddenly settled within.  For there, on the water, he sees the One whom his soul loves.

It is the Lord.  Their eyes meet.

His heart leaps at the thought of being near this One whose very presence presses peace into all that surrounds Him.  And there is that familiar twinkle in the Master’s eyes as His hand beckons him to join Him.

Warmth floods his body as he responds, compelled, drawn, unaware of the murmurings of his companions in the boat behind.

Their gaze is unbroken and the moment seems timeless as he approaches…

Until, for an unexplained instant, he looks away.

A wave of fear engulfs him and he is now painfully aware of his vulnerability and the absolute absurdity of his position.  The water begins to close in around him.  As he’s going under he manages a muffled cry to the One who had so captivated his attention just moments ago.

He is there.  His strong arm reaches down and pulls the dripping, shivering figure close.

“Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

It might have been a stinging rebuke had not that twinkle still been shining in those loving eyes.

And together they return to the boat.

(Note:  I wrote this way back in 1989(!), and thought I would share since my post yesterday reminded me of it.  It was one of those special times when I felt the Lord allowed me a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Scripture.)