"When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." John 6:16-21
Has life ever felt like raging waters in the night? You're exhausted, can't see what is ahead, and you realize you absolutely are not in control of anything? I think this is how the disciples felt in this passage.
For starters, three or four miles rowing in rough waters is an overwhelming task. Jesus is not with them so I wonder what their thoughts were... "We're going to die without Him." "If He were with us this wouldn't be happening!"
Then, to top it off they think a ghost is walking on the water, but it is Jesus. Matthew, Mark and John document that the men were "terrified" and "frightened". This obviously wasn't their best day. This wasn't a sunset cruise across the waters to Capernaum. This was an unexpected obstacle after a great mountain top experience. They had just witnessed Jesus feeding 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. Y'all, is this not how life is sometimes? We see God move a mountain and then BAM we are slammed by rough waters.
The best part of the passage is verse 21. When they realized it was Jesus, He got in the boat, and IMMEDIATELY they reached the shore. When Jesus meets us during a storm everything changes. Our physical circumstances may not change immediately, but in the spiritual something shifts because nothing remains the same in His presence. When we realize we are not in control and He is aware of the storm surrounding us we can trust that He is with us. IMMEDIATELY we can reach the shore of hope. When we have hope then our faith is strengthened. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5
I pray today that you can see Jesus in your circumstances. I pray that if you're on the shore celebrating your survival that you are enjoying that sweet joy with Him! If, however, you are in the boat surrounded by chaos and storms I pray that you know He is right there. Ask Him what He is teaching you through the circumstances and trust that He has you. I pray that He strengthens your heart and that you see the goodness of God!
Dig Deeper
Psalm 27:13-14 | Romans 8:28
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