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In the Spring of 2019, Monty and I joined other friends and relatives in Colorado Springs for the week-long graduation celebration at the Air Force Academy. Because we had rented a large house to accommodate all of us, it was a wonderful celebration and time of catching up with various families' lives. Since I knew we would be returning to Virginia by train, I didn’t pay attention to the weather across our country during that time. 

At the end of the week, we were dropped off at the Denver train station and boarded our train. Once settled into our reserved sleeper room, we kicked back because we thought all our travel worries were over. However, as we visited with a young couple in the compartment across from us, we discovered they had been trying for days to get a train traveling east. We were on the first train to travel east through the flooded interior of the country.

“What? You mean trains have not been traveling because of flooding?”

“Yes, didn’t you know?”

“No, we just hopped on the train we had scheduled months ago.”

Doubts and questions clouded my mind as I wondered what lay ahead, but it was too late to change our plans.

Somewhere in Nebraska, the conductor’s voice came over the intercom to explain what we were seeing, like flooded fields on both sides with farmhouses, farm machinery and silos standing out in the middle of the water. He also explained some of what had been going on. Monty and I were astounded at how much water we saw extending into the distance on both sides of the train as we crossed Nebraska and Iowa.

Later, the conductor explained that we would be traveling very slowly through the Burlington, Iowa, train station but would not stop. As we inched slowly, sending water ripples across the pooled water, we saw the station was still flooded.

Burlington is near the banks of the Mississippi River. The conductor announced we were privileged to be the first train allowed to cross over the flooded Mississippi. To encourage us, he further stated he had been assured it would be safe.

Wide-eyed, I glanced at Monty. His face reflected the same emotion I was feeling. Neither of us said anything. I don’t think the conductor specifically asked us to pray, but he said something to the effect that prayers were always appreciated. We certainly did pray, as did others, as we began to slowly inch across the flooded Mississippi River. The picture was taken from the bridge as we crossed.

When the intercom voice announced we were entirely across the Mississippi, shouts and applause rang throughout the train--even over the intercom. It was as if we all gave a collective sigh of relief.

Today, as I look through all the pictures we took out of the windows of the train, I’m reminded of the stares of eyewitnesses and cameras pointed in our direction. From the perspective of onlookers, it must have looked like our train was going across the top of a large lake—much like when Peter was walking on the water. (Matthew 14:25-33 is given below).

When I think of Peter walking on the water, I realize he did well as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus and concentrated on Him. However, Peter began to sink when he started looking at his circumstances—like the wind and waves splashing around him. 

There are always problems and distractions clamoring for our attention, whether it be fires, hurricanes, loss of job, or sickness. However, our trust grows as we are repeatedly caught or picked up when we fall. Peter's walking on the water reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus and concentrate on His directions in His Word rather than allowing myself to get distracted by circumstances. Yes, we take care of that which is necessary, but I want to live a life of looking forward to the next thing and His eventual return. Anticipation, not fear, flows from a trusting heart.

Matthew 14:25-33. (NIV)

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Proverbs 3:5-6. (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.