“He [Jesus] saw the disciples straining at the oars,

because the wind was against them…” Mark 6:48a

 

It’s time to recognize Jesus!

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I love the word picture this passage conjures in my mind’s eye. Jesus and the disciples were tired. They had just expended a lot of energy ministering to a large crowd. It was late in the day, and Jesus instructed the disciples to get in a boat and go on ahead while He took care of “the clean-up.” Hours later after Jesus had spent time praying, he looked out over the water to see the disciples struggling against the wind. They’d been rowing for all that time, and they still hadn’t reached their destination.

 

Sometimes, life can be so like that. We go at something knowing God has pointed us there, yet partway through, it seems like everything is against us. We can’t get anywhere. At times like these we can feel so alone, like no one sees us—not even God, Who pointed us that way in the first place…

 

But take heart. It’s only the way we feel. It’s not the truth. “On the shore,” Jesus is watching. He sees our struggle, and He’s going to come to us at the perfect time. The question then becomes, will we recognize Him?

 

When Jesus came toward the disciples they were frightened. They didn’t recognize Him, and their misunderstanding of who He was led them to fear, not joy. But Jesus’ words to them were so loving. “‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’” And then He stepped into the boat and the wind stopped.

 

Sometimes when we are struggling and Jesus shows up, we don’t recognize Him. Sometimes the help He sends our way can seem a bit scary. But if we will remember His promise, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you,” we’ll be expecting Him. Just listen. He will reassure our hearts that it is Him, and then He’ll step into the situation and calm the storm inside so we can finish doing what He’s called us to do.

  

 

Reminder: God is always near and ready to step in.