Finding Strength

Have you ever been through a time when you needed help and thought it would never come?

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. - Mark 6:47-48

Today's Gospel reading begins with an interesting situation.  Jesus is alone and the disciples are struggling to get across the sea.

We are introduced to the scene from Jesus' point of view, not the disciples' and we discover that Jesus intended to pass them by.

Isn't that odd?  Why would Mark want us to know that?  Did he want us to think Jesus wasn't going to help them?

I think there is a strong message for all of us in this passage.  By walking on the water, Jesus is telling us that no obstacle will keep him from coming to us.  He will know when we are struggling, and he will be close by.

But the fact that he does not come intending to help is a message for us to be responsible for ourselves.  He will help us if we need it, but we should be strengthened just knowing that he is near.

Because he strengthens us, we can do all things.

As he got close, though, the disciples were afraid, so he got in the boat with them.  That's important for us to remember.  No matter what we are going through, Jesus will ease our fears and calm the sea.

So, if we feel we cannot do it alone, we should not lose heart.  He will come to our aid.

That is reassuring.  No matter what obstacles or setbacks we encounter, we will not have to face them alone.  God is with us, helping us through it, and ready to catch us if we fall.

More to come...