Daily Devotions
July 28th, 2011 by Pastor SolleyMark 6:45-50
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
We most often think that if Jesus “Constrains” us to do something or to go somewhere it must be to great success or to good things. But when Jesus sent the disciples into the ship it was into a storm as well, it was into trouble, it was the last thing they expected. Why would the Lord do this? Tell me Christian; when do we learn to trust in the Lord, when do we learn to depend upon Him, when do we learn to call out to Him? It is not in the midst of trouble? No one like the troubles and trials of this life but without them we would never learn what it is to be held in the arms of Jesus, never learn what it is to be secure in the help of Christ. Even in the storm the disciples were doing all they could to save themselves, so busy rowing that they almost let Jesus pass by. Instead of questioning Him, instead of trying to row out of the storm, call out to Him first and often. Don’t let Christ pass you by.