Keep Rowing
Tested Faith
Many of us know this story well. Jesus tells His disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake. He was not joining them, so perhaps they thought He will catch another boat.
Our perceptions of what we think God is asking us to do…and the end result are often not even close to what God had in mind when He gave us the instructions.
It’s in the midst of THAT...that’s where your faith is tested!
Prior to this, in John 6, Jesus tested His disciples with a challenge to feed the crowd who had been with them all day. They failed that test. So, He showed them how to walk on in faith and get the job done. (6-14)
Now, it was time to test them again.
Did they learn from that experience watching Him demonstrate exercising faith in God?
This time He told them to get in the boat and cross the lake.
Simple instructions. A familiar trip. We can do this. Away they went.
Evening came. Then, the darkness of night. A strong wind began to blow. The waters grew rough. Their mode of transportation was on the verge of capsizing.
Tough times, right? Then, to top it off, they see someone approaching the boat and walking on top of the stormy waves. What??? Now, they're terrified. What's going on?
Life is like this for us at times. We receive what seems like a simple idea, concept, vision or instruction and off we go. We've got this!
Along the way evening comes which turns into darkness. We can't see how or what to do.
Your FAITH is being tested.
Jesus had not yet joined them. (Vs 17). "Jesus, where are You?"
You can't see Him, sense His presence, the Bible you were looking to for comfort seems dry as dust, now what?
Do what they did: Keep rowing!
Not much progress for so much effort. That's what it felt like. Every been there?
Your FAITH is being tested. Don't quit.
To add to your "situation" you can't comprehend how God is going to get you out of THIS.
The circumstances are frightening. You don't recognize that Jesus is walking towards you - right on top of and straight through the tough, stormy conditions raging all around.
Then, it happens. He speaks, "I'm here with you, don't be afraid." (my paraphrase) Do what they did: they took Him into their boat. (21) All of a sudden, peace in the midst of fear. God is here!
Your FAITH was tested.
Whew! Next thing you know things worked out. God was with you all along.
Like a parent that watches their child from a distance ready to intervene if needed, God's eye never left you even for a second.
Child of God know this: Whatever you are facing today, however dark it may feel, however tired your arms are from rowing, keep on keepin' on! Know that Jesus is on His way to make a way for you.
Be strong in faith.He's working on your behalf for His glory and His purposes to be revealed.
You are never out of His sight or His reach.
Pause. Hear Him speak to you NOW..."I'm here with you, don't be afraid. I’ll get you to the other side of THIS..."
Keep rowing.
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