The fourth watch, the darkest part of the night; the period just before dawn. The wind is strong and the waves are high. I keep a tight grip on the rudder. This wind could easily blow us off course. John and Peter have already drawn the mainsail but it is still dangerous when the sea decides to be so turbulent.

But…what is that? There is a figure coming towards us. He seems to be walking over the waves. And though his long hair is being blown in the wind, it does not bow down before the strong wind as the rest of us. Ghost? Coming quickly towards us…?!

“ A ghost!!! I cried out. Matthew’s eyes are almost popping out as his teeth begin to chatter in fear.
“Don’t be afraid!” the ghost calls out. “…Its I, take courage.” That sounds like master. “It is Jesus” cries John. Peter shouts back, “Lord if it is you let me come to you on the water.” Manners and a temper, I know fishermen don’t have, but has that one lost his sense as well? Can’t he see the storm? “Come, the Lord replies and Peter jumps out.

The bearded of Hilliel!!! See Peter walking on the waves towards the Lord! One step….two….three….four… he almost got to him now. A strong gust of wind. His clothes billow out. A huge wave is towering over Peter. I see him staring, hand waving, opening his mouth to scream… it washes over him.
...Where is he? There, down in the water, not floating anymore, he seems to be sinking. He’s stretching out his arm to the Lord, crying out. The Lord is right there, He hauls him up, sets him on his feet again. He’s laughing at Peter, telling him “why did you doubt, man of little faith. You should have kept looking at me, not at the storm.” They walk together over the waves and now they are climbing into the boat. I can’t help you bow down, this must be the son of God. And he has since been coming to me.

As I know he comes to you too. Always in the fourth watch; the darkest part, the gloomiest of the night. Usually not earlier not in situations I can handle myself with a bit of effort. But at the time when all hope seems lost. He comes walking over the problems towards me. And he tells me to look not at the size of the waves and the tribulations, but at Him, my Lord and Saviour. And when I fail to take His advice and concentrate instead on the problems and I begin to sink; he is close when I call on him. And he hauls me out and we walk together back to the boat, which is even safer now because the Lord is in it and with Him I can even walk over trials.

And he will always come, at your gloomiest hour. When all seems lost, Jesus will be there. All he asks is that you take courage, look at your God, concentrate on Him, not the size of your problem and in faith take a step out towards Him.
It is He, DO NOT BE AFRAID!!!

And always remember that the darkest, coldest part of the nights is followed closely by dawn. When the battle is toughest; then victory is closest.
Yours sincerely
Thomas Didymus