In John 6:15-21, we see Jesus walking on water in the midst of a storm while his disciples are frantically rowing. Storms or trials in our life can be totally consuming. They sap our physical and emotional strength, and we become singularly focused on the storm in our lives.

Sometimes we become so fixated on our trial that we fail to see other's storms or misinterpret them. Many years ago, I noticed Sunday after Sunday a good friend walk by me without a word. I would go home, puzzled, frustrated, and hurt. I racked my brain to think of what I might have done or said to offend her. As I prayed about it, I felt the Lord impressing upon my heart to talk to her face to face. It was a struggle, part of me wanted to know, and the other part didn't. After all, what if I needed to apologize?

I called her up and asked if we could meet for breakfast. On the morning of our breakfast meeting, I was filled with trepidation, ready to apologize if needed. We found a table, ordered, and began to sip our coffee. I reached over and squeezed her hand and asked, "Have I done something to offend you?" She looked up with tears in her eyes and proceeded to tell me the horrible storm she was going through. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Tears were coursing down my cheeks. We made it through breakfast, I prayed for her, and then she quietly told me on the way out that if I hadn't have called her, she was planning on stepping in front of a truck that morning.

You may be wondering, What's this got to do with Jesus walking on water? Everything! The disciples could only see the storm. John 6:19 says, "Then when they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were frightened." Being frightened in the midst of a storm, we often fail to see Jesus for the storm. Once the disciples recognized Him, they received him into the boat. It was probably more like, "Over here, be quick, help us.”

When others are in pain, there might be a silent call for help that we might miss if we're consumed by our own storm. They are frantically rowing and bailing water to survive, trying to keep their head above the waves. There are times when we need to remind others they aren't alone and gently point them to the One who says, "It is I, do not be afraid." This is both a command and a promise. God's Word is inspired, complete, and nothing is left out.

Many years ago, we were hiking just outside Mackay, Idaho. We came to a small stream, which was easy for us to step over. We turned around and told our three-year-old son to jump. He seemed a little fearful, but we assured him he could do it. After all, he could trust his parents, right? He jumped straight up and landed right in the middle of the stream. He looked at us and probably wondered why we were doubled over with laughter. We didn't give complete instructions. We probably should have added the word “over” to our instructions. Jesus could have only said, “It is I,” but it was imperative to add, "do not be afraid."

We all face storms in life but fail to recognize that others have storms as well. When you do, jump in the boat with them! When we enter into another's boat in their stormy trials, it allows us to row and bail with them. Sometimes we need others to come alongside us to pray, encourage, and point us to the only One who can truly calm the storm.