The Storm-tossed Boat

Matthew 14:25; John 6:20-21

The disciples were being tossed by the wind and waves in their boat on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came walking on the water, at the fourth watch of the night; the last part of the night, just before dawn. Jesus came to them at the last conceivable moment.

God's delays aren't necessarily His denials. Jesus had heard their first cries for help. He knew what He was doing all along.

Why did He wait so long before He intervened? Probably because it took a long time for these men to exhaust their resources and completely trust in Him.

Lifeguards will tell you that often the hardest person to save is the one who is panicking and is struggling. But when one is exhausted, there is no energy left, the lifeguard can pull that person back in to safety.

In the same way, sometimes God will allow us to get to the end of our rope, to the end of our resources, so we will finally cling to Him.

The disciples were exhausted and afraid, but that was the moment that Jesus shows up and said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going"

For many of us, that is what Jesus is waiting for. He is waiting for us to say, "I can't row another second. I can't go another inch in my own strength. Please, Lord, help me. Come on board."

He will step into your storm-tossed boat and take control, if you will invite Him. He will be there for you even in the darkest night, just before the dawn. 

 

Mariam. (Mama Joe)

Grace is the heavenly resource behind all of God's promises.

Faith is the simple means of accessing that grace

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