It was an exercise in faith building. The deciples encountered a situation where they naturally became fearful of a situation they could obviously not control. In their panic they awaken JESUS to alert him of the dire situation. JESUS, then shows them there is no need to fear or worry. Through his faith and words, he calms the wind and sea. The learning here, I believe, is to always trust in the LORD, and when things are most dire, you should not panic and have faith that GOD is always with you.