midnight
The night came , and with it a storm swept down against the disciples . The smooth sea was lashed into great foam-crested waves which broke over their little ship . They tugged hour after hour at the oars , but in vain . The night grew darker , the wind more contrary , the waves higher and more threatening , their arms wearied , and they may have feared that they would perish alone and without remedy in the black midnight . But we read that ` He saw them toiling in rowing , ' though they knew it not . From the distant mountain side ` He saw them ' -- marked every weary stroke of the oar , and every throb of fear . But at last , when they were most ready to welcome Him , when none could say , ` We should have rowed through the storm alone , ' He came to them walking safely on the dark waves that threatened them with death , and said , ` Be of good cheer , it is I ; be not afraid . '