ChristiansUnite Forums

Read:  Mark 6:45-51                                           In the middle


   Jesus had instructed his disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side. This was Jesus` idea and his disciples obeyed Him. Jesus went away into the mountain to pray while his disciples continued on their journey. Things seemed to be alright until they came to the middle of the sea. Here, they faced problems, a contrary wind, darkness and the sea was stormy. They struggled hard to row against the wind. We do not know what thoughts might have crossed their minds, perhaps they even thought of going back. However, at such a time Jesus appeared walking on the water. He let the frightened disciples know it was him and he entered their boat. The sea became calm and immediately they reached their destination.“And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered” Mark 6:51

   When God sets us on a course, He does not always tell us what we might encounter on the way. However, He does promise to be with us and help us arrive at our destination. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Often times just as we are making progress, the opposition increases. The enemy would love to discourage us to give up and turn back to where we came from. The opposition we face often is an indication of how close we are to our destination. Jesus was right in the middle of the storm. In fact he was walking over the angry waves.  As soon as He came on the scene there was calm and they reached their destination immediately. God knows exactly when  and where to show up!. “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.”Ps.12:5

   Shadrach Meshach and Abednego were three men who decided to obey God at all costs. They were thrown into a firey furnace for refusing to bow to an idol. The angry king Nebuchadnezzer ordered that the fire be heated seven times stronger than it was, the situation was as bad as it could get.  God met them right in the middle of the fire and they escaped untouched by the fire. Sometimes God allows our situations to get as bad as they can get before He shows up, this proves Him victorious over everything that might come to oppose us. There is nothing impossible to God. He will enter into the very middle of your situation. “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Dan.3:25 He will deliver you when times of opposition hinder your progress. The testing of your faith works patience and God knows how far this test should go. He will prove Himself mighty in your midst. “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph. 3:17

   God knew the struggle the disciples would face, yet, He allowed them to go on that journey, and if they had not they would not have known Jesus as Lord over all creation, the land and the sea. What is the storm in your life? God desires to make himself known to you as Lord over every situation. If it is healing He wants to reveal to you that He is the Jehovah Rapha, if it is lack He wants you to know Him as Jehovah Jireh, if it is unrest He wants you to know Him as Jehovah Shalom etc. Our trials are God given opportunites to know Him in a way we haven’t known Him. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”Ps.46:10
   
   Where have you been ‘rowing’ hard in faith ?  That, is the area that God has chosen to reveal Himself as mighty for you. Dont focus on the opposing winds rather look for God in your stormy situation. He is there and wanting to help you.  Enjoy the experience of knowing God in the midst of your trying circumstance. The moment you recognize His Lordship over your situation and allow Him ‘on board’ you also will be calm and arrive at your ‘destination’.