Diana Nyad, an American author, journalist, motivational speaker, and long-distance swimmer, provides a real-life account of pursuing seemingly impossible dreams.  In 2013, at the age of 64, Nyad successfully swam from Cuba to Florida, a distance of 110 miles, without the protection of a shark cage, on her fifth attempt.  Her first four attempts, spanning 35 years, were marred by challenges such as powerful storms, venomous jellyfish, and sheer physical exhaustion, all contributing to what some might deem as “failures.”  Yet, these setbacks did not define her journey.  After each attempt, she revisited her strategy, learned from her failures, and pressed forward with unyielding resolve.  Nyad’s repeated failures and her determination to press forward brought about a ripple effect of inspiration across the globe.  She became a living testament that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, embodying her mantra: “Find a way.”  Her story is not just about reaching a destination but embracing the journey, with all its setbacks and lessons.  Her attempts, failures, and eventual success mirrored a message similar to the aforementioned fictional scenario, reflecting real-life determination, resilience, and profound impact.  Nyad’s steadfastness, even in the face of repeated failures, speaks to our spiritual walk with Christ.  The treacherous waters, venomous stings, and relentless waves can be seen as metaphors for the trials and tribulations we face. Just as Diana never lost sight of the distant shore, we too are called to fix our eyes on Jesus amidst life’s tumultuous seas, understanding that our struggles, doubts, and even our failures are all integral parts of our journey of faith.

You know, it seems rather fitting to begin with a nautically minded introduction as our passage from Scripture details a rather eventful journey undertaken by the apostles and their leader, Jesus Christ.  Now, one of the things that we’re likely to miss just reading this passage this morning apart from its broader context is how eventful this particular day would’ve been in the life of Jesus’ earliest followers.  Right before getting on the boat, they would’ve been privy to a real miracle.

Taking just five measly loaves of bread and two paltry fish, Jesus was able to feed a crowd of well over five thousand people.  Why do I say well-over?  Because at the time, it was the case that only the men were counted.  Thus, in that 5000 number you’ve not counted all the women and children that would’ve necessarily been there as well.  But regardless of the actual number of people involved, the fact of the matter remains that what Jesus did was far and beyond the capability of anyone quote-unquote normal.  No, such a miraculous feeding had to be exactly that – a miracle, which necessarily means that Jesus Christ himself possesses powers well beyond what ordinary men and women possess.  That’s an important reminder that bears closer examination in our lives.  So, these men that watched Jesus feed so many people miraculously find themselves tossed about on a stormy sea.  That they’re scared definitely speaks to the ferocity of the storm.  After all, many of Jesus’ earliest disciples were fishermen on this very same sea.  Because of that, they would’ve necessarily been exposed through the years to numerous storms, just like this one.  The reason – the Sea of Galilee sits in a place that allows for storms to whip up rapidly and frequently with little or no warning before the rains starts and the sea surges.  So, this wasn’t a typical, everyday storm.  No, those could’ve been handled without much consternation whatsoever.  We know this storm was powerful but it’s really the appearance of a strange figure on the water that adds additional fears to these salty sailors.

This makes complete sense when you know a little about how the ancient Jews thought of the sea.  Understandably, the sea was considered a rather mysterious place, filled with creatures large and small.  It was also a belief in Jewish culture at the time that the sea was where ghosts and apparitions dwelled.  So, in the midst of the storm, they see a figure out on the shore.  I’m sure, with the boat rocking and swaying in the wind, it would’ve been hard to identify Jesus at first.

I can only imagine how frightened they must’ve been.  I mean, there you are, it’s dark as, well, night.  But it isn’t just that you can’t see very well, what you can see is just as frightening as what you can, perhaps.  The sea bubbles and brews, tossing the ship around.  The winds screech as the thunder peals strike deeper worry into your heart.  The stakes are very real, your life is on the line.  And then, in your limited vision, you see a figure on the waves.  It can’t be, you think at first but as your eyes strain to see more, you grow more and more convinced.  It is someone, and not just anyone.  It’s Jesus.  The very same man you’ve been following and have only just recently seen perform a latest miracle for the masses.

Two things that I think are absolutely essential to understanding this story in its fullness.  First, remember how and why they got onto the boat in the first place.  Jesus puts them there.  Now, considering Jesus is all-knowing, Jesus would’ve known of the events that were coming into the lives of His disciples.  Sometimes we think Jesus will only lead us to places of calm tranquility.  We couldn’t be more incorrect.  To be a follower of Jesus is to be willing to be sent into whatever fray necessary to shine the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness of this world.  Another thing that we shouldn’t miss in the context of this story is just how quickly the change happens.  After all, seemingly in a moment, life takes a major 180-degree turn.  One moment, this group of followers is literally witnessing one of the greatest miracles that has ever been recorded in the history of humanity.  The very next thing you know, life sees their lives in peril, tossed about on an inhospitable sea.  It’s a jarring change of events.  To be taken from what was sure to have been a spiritual high and land with an unfortunate thud right into the middle of difficult circumstances.

For me, I can’t help but remember a time when I was working at River Hills Community Church.  The family was all doing great and I really, really loved my job and the people I worked with.  It was such aa good time.  As a matter of fact, one Sunday came and I preached a great sermon, saw some really neat things going on with the youth group of the church.  Then came Monday.  The call came as I was in the middle of a counselling session.  My sister had gone into some sort of medical emergency and was being rushed to the hospital.  I remember driving frantically towards Atrium Hospital, praying and hoping all would be well when the second call came.  Amy had passed.  There was no longer any need to rush to the hospital.  It was literally like you’d taken the wind out of my sails.  I pulled into the parking lot at a local restaurant and just let the moment wash over me.

Life changes in an instant.  We all know that.  It’s what we do following the changes that really matter.  Sometimes, it just takes us a moment to get our bearings straightened out.  That’s what happened to Peter, it seems like, doesn’t it?  I mean, there, once Jesus is clearly seen on the waves, Peter rises to the occasion, doesn’t he?  Calling out to Jesus, Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

It was the Roman poet, Horace who originally conjured the expression we all carry around in our breasts.  “Seize the day” he wrote.  Well actually he didn’t.  It’s one of history’s great crimes against the written word, perhaps.  The phrase actually means ‘pluck the day’ and has a slightly different connotation than we associate with it but, for the sake of this sermon, let’s just stay with the traditional rendering.