He Saw Me

He Saw Me

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“Later that night, the boat (filled with the twelve disciples) was in the middle of the lake, and he (Jesus) was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭47‬-‭48‬, NIV‬‬.

This is a familiar passage to many of us. So, when I was charged to reread it, I selfishly thought I really don’t need to, I’m fairly familiar with it.

That’s when the Holy Spirit prompted—ask Me to show you something new.

So, I did, and He did! Our beautiful Lord never misses a beat. I quickly humbled myself believing I knew it all and asked to be taught. What a great teacher He is for me.

Jesus watched His disciples struggle as they rowed on the Sea of Galilee from the middle of the night, until dawn. He knew they were struggling, yet He let them gain the muscle and spiritual strength to figure it out. He didn’t need to rescue them, for they weren’t in danger of dying, they were dealing with their heart issues before God. We read that the disciple's hearts were hardened.

“Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened,” Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭51‬-‭52‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

They had just witnessed Jesus feeding over 5,000 people! How could their hearts be hardened? Was it because they struggled to understands the power and authority that Jesus actually had?

They were amazed (surprised and a bit doubtful) at what God could do. So, Jesus showed them. He walked on water to get to their boat.

I realized that I shared doubt with the disciples. I thought that I had studied this passage enough. I doubted that there was anything else to learn from it. But there was! I hadn’t ever focused on the part that Jesus watched them struggle, as He watches me struggle. Yet He is always nearby. He is literally a step away, even if He has to walk across the water to be so.

My discovery was the fact that Jesus knew that they were struggling, yet He let them struggle for their good. There are some struggles we need to go through because they strengthen our faith. Isn't that what we signed up for? To strengthen our faith and to be like Jesus? To be faithful like Jesus, kind like Jesus, patient like Jesus and peaceful like Jesus. If so, then we need to trust that the struggles He allows us to go through will actually produce good fruit.

Fruit ripens better before it’s picked. The struggles we endure help us ripen with the maturity of Jesus.

Are you struggling with obeying something that you can justify? I get it—those are tough struggles. But when it’s over, Jesus jumps in the boat and quiets the storm.

Father,

You have amazing wisdom. I jump to help, but You help by waiting. You know what we can handle, whereas I would prefer to rest after round one. I want to give up before I have developed spiritual muscles.

Thank You for not answering those prayer too quickly when we scream for help. Help us to trust that You are walking right next to us and won’t let us drown.

Thank You that You are a good Father. Thank You that You are for us, and not against us.

Thank You, for being You.

Amen.