I’ve been mulling this verse for a while. It feels a bit like my faith sometimes.
I tend to strain against circumstances, challenging relationships, even personal goals.
Mark 6:48 NASB Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them.
Before this verse, Jesus’ disciples witnessed miraculous healings, the casting out of demons, Jesus calming a storm, and the feeding of 5000 with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Obviously, His authority triumphed over sickness, spiritual forces, physical elements, and human needs. Along the way, Jesus sent His followers out to preach, heal, and cast out demons, and they did. So the question is, having witnessed Jesus’ authority, then participating under the umbrella of his authority, why were His disciples straining against the wind? Where was their faith to calm the wind?
And I often wonder where my faith is at times.
I could recount a list of times and ways that God stepped into my life and answered a prayer. I experienced two answered prayers this week. Praise the Lord. And though my faith continues to grow, it saddens me that I can so easily default to straining.
My encouragement lies in the verses that follow. Instead of passing them by, Jesus got in the boat with them. It’s good to know He still does that for us. My continued prayer is that l won’t strain in the future, but patiently wait on the other side for Jesus.