Jesus says, “I am giving you a gift of peace” (John 14:27). His peace brings order to our hearts and lives, even when storms rage around us. Yet at times, it can feel so elusive.
If this resonates with you, be encouraged:
- God’s peace is a powerful and personal gift, that belongs to you.
The Boat, the Storm, and the Savior
“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7, NKJV)
One day, Jesus told His disciples to take the boat across the lake. Along the way, a terrible storm blew up and the disciples feared for their lives.
Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep, resting his head on a cushion.
While they were panicking, He was at peace! (See Mark 4:35-41)
The Old Sea Captain
This story brings to mind an extraordinary encounter with the Lord in 2018.
I was driving home and stopped for a break at a harbor inlet.
Walking by the water, I passed by a public park bench. Suddenly, my spiritual eyes were opened and I saw Jesus sitting there.
To my surprise, He was simultaneously in the form of an old sea captain! [1]
He turned His face to me and said, “I know the boat and I know the seas.”
It was a very profound and vivid experience.
He seemed to be saying, “I’ve got this!”
“You are Safe!”
An old fishing boat captain has weathered many storms and survived them all.
In those brief seconds, Jesus exuded confidence as someone who has mastered every condition of the sea.
“You are safe with Me!”
I believe this message will comfort someone who needs it most right now.
Jesus says, “I know the boat and I know the seas.”
How to Overcome Storms Through the Power of Peace
The Gospel story reminds us that God not only wants us to survive storms and ride out the gales.
He has called us to be overcomers, through His gift and power of peace.
1. Peace Is a Person—Jesus
When the disciples—some of whom were in the fishing business—lost control of the boat, they discovered who the real captain was on board.
Jesus’ peace wasn’t tied to the circumstances around Him—His eyes were on the Father, and what He was doing.
And God was taking them to the other side.
True peace isn’t just a state of calm; it’s found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He doesn’t merely bring peace—He is peace. The Bible prophesies about the Messiah as “Shiloh,” meaning tranquility or rest (Genesis 49:10).
2. Receive Peace as a Gift
Sometimes, facing a trial can leave us feeling disheartened.
When peace seems out of reach, we might think we’ve fallen short or something is wrong.
If you can relate to that, be reassured:
- God’s peace isn’t about your worthiness or effort—it’s a gift of grace!
Right now, you have grace for peace.
Today, hear Jesus say,
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV)
The Greek word for “troubled”, tarasso, means to be stirred and agitated, reminiscent of stormy waters (Strong’s G5015).
But eirene, the Greek word for peace, means rest and tranquility (Strong’s G1515).
3. Be a Commander of Peace
The peace of God’s Kingdom is not passive, it’s powerful.
It’s not theoretical, it’s tangible. Jesus demonstrated the power of peace when He silenced the storm with the command,
“Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39).
The Greek word for peace here, siopao (Strong’s G4623) means “be silenced”, or “mute”. It’s as though you’re pressing the mute button in a noisy room.
Peace is transferable. It can alter atmospheres!
After He calmed the storm, Jesus asked the disciples,
“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Faith and peace are related.
As His followers, we carry this authority too.
You can release God’s peace into turmoil and restore order to chaos wherever you go.
4. Remember Peace is Abundant
Paul writes,
“… for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 14:17, NKJV)
Peace is the culture of the Kingdom and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 6:22).
So, we do not need to have a scarcity mindset concerning it.
Instead, we can have complete security in God’s peace, knowing it is in abundant supply.
The Face of the Sea Captain
Five years later, in 2023, I spent a few days in my childhood neighborhood in Auckland, New Zealand, for a family reunion with my dad.
Walking into my accommodation, I admired the scenery through the windows. Then, I turned, and on the wall beside me was a portrait of a rugged old sea captain!
The captain’s face took my breath away. Suddenly, I was taken back to that encounter by the sea, and I knew this stay in Auckland was a Divine appointment. But what I didn’t know, was those days were to be the last that I saw my dad on this earth.
The Triumph of Peace
Looking back, I recognize God’s peace in the trial, the storm, and the mystery.
- In this world today, trouble takes away peace
- But in God’s Kingdom, peace triumphs over trouble.
I pray that whatever mystery you face today, you encounter His peace.
Hear Him say, “Beloved! Keep your eyes on Me.”
Let us declare together: “Let there be peace, in Jesus’ Name.”
Notes
[1] Vision: I did not see it with my physical eyes, it was a spiritual experience of unusual intensity. Taking place, it felt as real to me as a physical sighting. I can’t fully explain the Captain and Jesus appearing together—it was as if I perceived the Captain but recognized Jesus’ eyes in his face.
I believe all prophetic words, encounters, and visions should be compatible with Scripture and need to be weighed up. If you’d like to know more see 8 Ways to Grow In Prophetic Visions and Pictures.
[2] References from Blue Letter Bible: Strong’s G5015, G1515, G4623
[3] Image of the sea captain: this is not a photo, but an illustration I created with AI using an App called “YouCam AI Pro”.
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Which of these keys to peace have impacted you? They all touched me, especially numbers 3 and 4, not having a scarcity mindset. I’d love to hear your feedback and insights, so leave a comment in the box below.
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Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
The portrait image is so stunning, and the significance of your encounter with Jesus, His powerful word “I know the boat and I know the seas” and the storm that would be of losing your father. Just wow! Thank you for sharing this beautiful but mighty word with us Helen, helping us look to the One who is our peace in every storm. Thank you Jesus!
Love from Sydney, Australia
Hello June,
Thank you, that is so encouraging.
PS do you have lots of Jacaranda flowering at the moment? They are few and far between around here, and I was just saying to someone there are more up north!
What about times when peace doesn’t come during a stressful and scary situation? There was a time where I was with a family member who was at the end of their life and I was in the hospital room with them. I was terrified. Sweating, my mouth was dry and I was trembling. I kept praying and asking God for help but the peace never came. This frustrated me to no end because I have been in other scary situations and I asked for peace and God gave it to me. It was, and is, frustrating to think about when in those situations where the peace doesn’t come even as you’re reminding God of His word and quoting scripture. So often, too, when asking others about this, or those in leadership, they like to turn it around and blame the person as to why they didn’t have peace and this angers me, too. That they didn’t have enough faith, or they harbored some sin in their life, and so on and that’s the reason God didn’t do something. It comes off as a form of victim blaming. So, after reading this post, Helen, though it was encouraging I started remember times when, like with the hospital situation, where God’s peace didn’t come. This makes me frustrated, feel bitter , angry , and then feel guilty for feeling those feelings. Why do you think that God’s peace happens sometimes and sometimes not? Not asking to argue , but asking out of frustration and not understanding why sometimes in some situations there is peace and then sometimes there is not. I need help in this. Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear that Cece, also that you were made to feel that way.
I really appreciate you asking that question.
Here’s my thoughts
Peace isn’t the absence of chaos, it’s the presence of Jesus in the midst of it.
And that’s in the hard reality, in the mess, the pain, the suffering.
That said, I do believe he is encouraging us to have faith for peace (in the same way as for healing, breakthroughs and provision).
We can have faith even in the face of mystery and contradiction, because it is based on the Person, not our efforts.
He brings healing to trauma and I pray you find the pathway to receive that deep healing.
Thank you, Helen.
Thank you for this timely word. Today I experienced His peace in such a great measure and reading this tonight just reminded me of God’s faithfulness.
Love the story of the “ sea captain”.
Blessings
thank you Abigail
He is so faithful
Thank You,My peace Is Incredible, There Is know God Like our God,he sent his only son Jesus so that we may have peace,his peace he gives to me his peace he leaves with me,Number 1.
I am so grateful
this is wonderful, Frances! So true
Help me keep my focus on You Jesus and only do and say what You tell me to. Amen.