Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Craft (04/23/26)
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TITLE: Skill Alone | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynae Fisher
04/28/26 -
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“There’s a cloud over there,” Peter pointed to the horizon as he picked up his oar.
“So? It’s just one little cloud.” Matthew yawned in disinterest.
James turned around in his seat to see it better. “I don’t like the look of that.”
“I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. We should be to the other side before it becomes a problem,” said Andrew.
“You said that last time too,” Thomas jabbed.
“Jesus was with us that time.” John gazed back in the direction of the shore where Jesus had sent them away.
Nathaniel put a hand on James’ shoulder. “Don’t worry. You guys are the best fishermen ever!”
“Yeah! That’s right!” Andrew smiled.
“We ain’t afraid of no storm, are we brother?” Peter joined in.
“We know our craft better than any fisherman on this sea!” boasted John.
James, son of Zebedee brightened up too. “We’ve seen every kind of weather to ever cross the Sea of Galilee!”
Simon the Zealot stood up clumsily from his seat. “Alright, men, we need to focus all efforts to reach our destination before the storm reaches us.
“Forward! Raise the sails!” Jude stumbled as he jumped up.
“But we don’t have sails,” Philip pointed out.
Matthew remained sitting. “Nope. This is a fisherman's craft, not a sail boat. The taxes are cheeper, but you have to row instead of letting the wind carry you.”
“Taxes. Those Romans ‘ll tax the lining out of a man’s pocket!” Judas Iscariot huffed.
A cloud seemed to come over the group. They all grew quiet in the tension that hung in the air. The fishermen settled to steadily rowing while the others settled back into their places.
Finally, Philip spoke up. “Is it just me, or does it seem darker than it was a minute ago?”
Peter shrugged and kept rowing.
James, son of Alphaeus, added, “I think a drop just hit my arm.”
“It’s just your imagination,” Andrew kept his eyes forward as he rowed, but still looked tense.
Suddenly, a sharp gust of wind struck them.
Peter shouted, “Quick! Everyone, grab an oar and start rowing! That storm is moving fast! We gotta make it to the other side!”
The boat began rocking as the clumsy non-fishermen scrambled to grab oars and do their best to help. In a flash, all twelve men were rowing for all they were worth. Still, the fishermen were confident they could beat the storm.
Fear began to seep into the boat as the waves grew in size and number. The crashing waves drowned out any attempts at communication.
“The storm came quicker than expected!” Thomas tried to yell, only to get a mouthful of water as a wave crashed over them.
All twelve rowed with all their might, but the storm was too strong. They were only about half-way across the sea when the storm hit. Now, short of a miracle, they had little chance of making it to shore –and the miracle-working Master of the Seas was not with them like He was last time they had storm like this.
The night wore on, and the storm grew stronger. The twelve began to despair of ever seeing land again. Not even the skilled fishermen could outrun this storm.
“What was that?” one cried out in terror.
Thomas nearly dropped his oar.
All of the twelve screamed in fear at the sight of a figure walking across the sea as if it were land.
“It must be a ghost!”
“We’re doomed!”
"Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
They knew in their hearts it was Jesus, but fear still gripped them in disbelief.
Peter cried out, “Lord, if it is You, tell me to come to You walking on the water.”
“Come.”
Peter jumped over the side of the ship and started walking towards Jesus. A wave caught his attention and he looked around at the storm raging around them. Terror seized him as he began to sink into the water upon which he had stood.
“Lord, save me!” Peter cried out.
Jesus reached out His hand and pulled Peter up. "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
The two returned to the craft and climbed aboard. Immediately, the storm dispersed. The twelve ceased their rowing and worshiped the Son of God who had saved them when man’s greatest skill was powerless.
(based on Matthew 14:19-33 KJV)
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