INCREASING OUR TRUST
Opening Prayer
Jesus, I come away from the noise to meet with You. I give You my heart, my hopes, my dreams, my fears. Take me as I am.
Read Mark 6:45–56
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus Walks on the Water
45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Of what are you afraid?The disciples experienced the miraculous provision of God through the feeding of the 5,000, but failed to understand that He can be trusted in all circumstances. Hence in the storm they are afraid. Fortunately, Jesus has His eye on them.
Jesus sees them straining at the oars, the wind against them and their anxiety rising. It is easy to think in difficult situations that we have been forgotten, but that is never the case. He is aware of their plight, and comes to them, walking on the water.
Jesus then joins them, climbing into the boat. They are in this together, a wonderful reminder that Jesus wants to join us in our struggles and fears. Imagine that: Jesus is in the boat with you! Once we realize He is present, calmness returns.
As soon as they land, crowds run to meet Jesus. Jesus responds to them, making Himself available to them in their need. Never be afraid of asking Jesus for help, as if He might be too busy or disinterested. He always has time for us.
Here is a much-needed lesson in trust. The trials of life present us all with the opportunity to exercise our faith.
Apply
Is there a situation in which you are having a hard time trusting God? Ask God to help you wrap your mind around the fact that He really knows the best outcome for your life – even better than you do.
Closing prayer
God, I really do want to trust You. I don’t always know how to cast my cares on You and leave them there (1 Peter 5:7). Help me.
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