by Rev. Herbert Nichols

"Years ago a Yankee farmer out in Westport advertised for a hired hand. Many were reluctant to work the farms in this area. They were too rocky, the weather too unpredictable and violent. Before the modern satellites, storms would rage up the coast without warning reaping havoc on the buildings and the crops.

The farmers interviews were met with a steady stream of refusals, when finally a small stature, middle aged man approached. The farmer himself was now reluctant but also desperate. Are you sure you can handle this hard work, he asked? To which the little man quipped back in reply: "I sleep when the wind blows." The farmer had no idea what he meant by that and didn't bother to ask. He decided however to give the little man a chance.

The weeks rolled on. The man worked busily from dawn to dusk. The farmer seemed more than satisfied. Then one night, the farmer awoke, hearing the wind howling and the surf beating. He jumped out of bed grabbed a lantern and rushed to the hired man's sleeping quarters. He began shaking and yelling: "Get up quickly. There's a hurricane coming". But the little man rolled over in his bed saying: "I told you. I sleep when the wind blows."

The farmer now became enraged. He knew that he had made a big mistake. He hurried outside, only to find all the haystacks had been covered, the cows were in the barn, the chickens in their coops, all the doors barred and shutters secured. Everything was already tied down. Nothing would blow away. As he inspected his property he began to understand what the man meant. So he too went back to bed and slept through the windstorm.

That story is not in the Bible, but the one in today's gospel isn't all that different. In fact in all three readings we find difficulty sleeping.

Elijah, exhausted and frightened from fleeing his enemies is awoken several times until he learns to listen.

Paul is wrestling with the pangs of conscience, but comes to realize that his wrestling is with himself--with his own powerlessness and in the words of Mary, "Let it be," he gives control of his life to God.

Peter always the simple and child-like one, and often frightened is terrified at the thought of seeing a ghost in the midst of the gale.

It had been a long day of preaching and ministering to several thousands of people. Jesus had gotten into a boat and directed the apostles to put out into the lake. He was tired and perhaps wanted to see the sunset before falling asleep. In the middle of the night they awoke to find Jesus out of the boat and on the water.

Was Peter having a nightmare? "Come to Me?" Is he crazy? He's calling me to get out of the boat in this storm. Jesus repeats: "Get a hold of yourself, Peter. Come to me?"

Peter, again, like a little child though frightened, trusts the one who loves him, and puts one foot out of the boat. Now just picture that scene.

All the others are watching him? There's a gale blowing. Has this man gone mad? They gasp in amazement as he pulls the second leg out and begins to walk toward Jesus.

There he is out of the boat -- standing and actually walking on water -- you can almost hear the shout from the boat – "WOW." And Peter, in excitement shouts it backwards: "WOW."

All is fine until he shifts his focus to his feet; and fear drags him down like an anchor. In this moment of challenge, his life does not flash before his eyes in despair -- his faith does.

Lord, save me. He prays.

Perhaps many times you have been over-whelmed and fear your self sinking. Perhaps many times you suffered from lack of sleep, Trust in God. Like Elijah, learn to listen. Like Paul, stop wrestling and let it be. Like Peter, trust in the God who loves you.

If you are willing to accept the challenge, Jesus will reach out to you -- no matter where you are, no matter what the challenge.