“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
Mark 6:45-52 ESV
After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and proceed to Bethsaida while He dismissed the crowd and stayed on the mountain to pray. While alone on land, His concern was still on his disciples who are out at sea. In fact He was watching them and “saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.’ Can you see a Masters’ love for His followers?
You can be sure while many of us are struggling in our progress in any sphere of life – be it a stagnating career, a sickness that does not seem to be healing, a slow difficult process to restore a strained relationship, a recurring financial struggle to keeps ends meet – Jesus is watching – that’s is how personal Jesus was! Thus do not despair when things don’t seem to be moving in your life, He watches, and He knows and He understands! We also read that He later showed up walking on the sea, came into the disciples’ boat and immediately the winds ceased. Yes, when it is the right timing, He will get into your boat as well and calm the winds and waves of circumstances! So keep rowing, and don’t give up!
Jesus walked on the sea and then got into the disciples’ boat. See, He came to resolve their slow progress and it was a 180 degree change – the winds suddenly stopped and they reach the other side speedily. When Jesus step into your boat, transformation will happen!
If you have Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, there is no need to fear! He is always on top of your seas, your winds and your waves and will come into your boat of life to smoothen your journey!
Reflection Pointers
1. Perhaps unknown to you, Jesus is watching over you life even in those “not seeing light at the end of the tunnel” moments and is all willing to walk over to step into your boat of life to turn everything around.
2. While keep rowing and not giving up, take a moment to move your eyes from the oars, winds and waves to look towards Jesus who could be already walking on the sea coming over to you quickly. Prayers, prayers and prayers change things!