iBelin

Mark 6:47-56
“And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them…For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened.” Mark 6:48a, 52

After Jesus feeds the five thousand, he goes into the hills to pray. When evening comes the disciples set out in the boat without him, but they aren’t making much progress because they are rowing against the wind. About the fourth watch (i.e. just before dawn) Jesus comes to them, walking on the sea, intending to pass by. The disciples are frightened and cry out because they think they are seeing a ghost. Immediately Jesus speaks identifying himself, reassuring them.

Jesus gets into the boat and the wind ceases. The disciples are utterly amazed, because they had not understood the significance of the feeding of the five thousand. The boat lands at Gennesaret; when they get out of the boat, the people recognize Jesus and as the news quickly spreads, people from the surrounding area start bringing the sick to him to be healed. Wherever Jesus goes, those who are sick are brought to him. They beg him just to touch the fringe of his garment, for all who did so were healed.

The psalmist declares that “God is a very present help in the time of trouble.” Ironically, as a people of faith, we often forget in the midst of trouble or contrary winds in our lives, that God is still present. Although the disciples could not see Jesus in the midst of the “contrary winds” at night during the storm, He was present.

During these moments of “contrary winds”, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness, wind, rain, confusion, and fear. Oftentimes, just as the disciples, we are doing our best to follow Jesus’ command and fight against the “contrary winds” in our lives at the same time. These “contrary winds” can be relational, emotional, familial, physical, or spiritual. Even during our journey with Christ, the “contrary winds” can distract us from achieving our divine purpose and destiny. During these adverse situations, we ask God WHY. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to make this journey? And where was Jesus when they really needed Him? Why does Jesus ask us to make our journey? Where is Jesus during our difficult “contrary winds” of daily life that leaves us struggling?

Brothers and sisters, remember that God is still faithful and true to His Word. God will never leave us nor forsake us. The disciples experienced a brief season of what all Christians face at some point in life. This season is called “in the meantime.” This season is defined as the last time you heard from God and next time you will hear from God. And we, like the disciples, may think we are alone and abandoned. But in reality, they were under the watchful supervision of Jesus who came to them at the right time and calmed the storm. The Lord Jesus will do the same with us. We may not see, feel, or hear God, but just when we need God the most, the breakthrough will manifest!

We must trust God in the midst of our pain, helplessness, and barrenness. Remember God’s great mercies of the past in your and others’ life, and meditate on the promises of the Bible. Past healings. Past deliverances. Past restorations. If God did it yesterday, God is big enough to do it again and again and again. God is able!

We can rely on God’s power just as hymnologist John H. Sammis, who wrote the hymn “Trust and Obey.”
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.

Prayer: Wonderful Jesus, I worship you. Lord, you keep amazing me with your power and love. Keep me focused on your Word and purpose for my life. AMEN

The Reverend Fedrick A. Wilson, Pastor
Cedar Grove AME Church
Cope (Orangeburg County), SC

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Posted on: March 27th, 2010 in: LENT, Lent Devotional