Monday Motivation #7 Be Amazed!
I’ve been burdened by the troubles and struggles my friends and loved ones have been experiencing. As I was praying, God led me to a familiar passage in Mark. Jesus has just fed the 5000 and then sends his disciples on across the lake while he stays back to pray.
As the disciples cross the lake, they experience a storm and are struggling and afraid. Jesus sees their struggle and goes to them, walking on water, speaks to them and calms the storm.
This passage reminds me that Jesus sees our struggles and trouble. He knows exactly where we are and comes to us in and through the storm. With him, we don’t have to be afraid. He has total power and control over our storms. We only need to “Be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10)
The disciples are amazed to see Jesus’ power. It is in the storms of life that often times, Jesus’ presence and power become real to us. Our eyes are opened and we experience it like never before. God often allows the suffering and struggles in our life to teach us to trust and depend on Him. It is only then that we can be totally amazed by Him!
Mark 6:45-51a (NLT)
45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone goodbye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning[i] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here![j]” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
© 2018 Robin R King
