If you’ve been a Christian any length of time, there are stories in the Bible you are familiar with and could possibly even retell. It’s wonderful to have those stories committed to memory because they can be a source of comfort to us when a Bible isn’t close by; however, when we rely on our own knowledge of the story, we tend to overlook wonderful treasure buried deep in the Word. It is important to always ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the Word and reveal new truths to us as we read it.
Lately, the Lord has drawn me to the story of Jesus walking on the water. It can be found in Matthew 14. I want to spend a few days in this passage with you, because the Lord revealed things to me I have missed before and I’ve felt led to share them with you.
Matthew 14:22-24 says, “And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.”
This story follows the feeding of the 5000 with the two fish and five loaves of bread. Jesus sent everyone away. He told his disciples to get in the boat and go ahead of Him. I think we all will agree that Jesus, being God, knew right where He was sending the disciples. They went sailing into a storm and Jesus knew it was going to happen before it happened.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt you’ve been forgotten by God? Like He sent you on your way and didn’t give you a second thought? Psalm 40:5 says, “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts toward us, there is none to compare with Thee; If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count.” You are always on His mind. Mark 16:19 tells us that Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Romans 8:34 tells us not only is He at the Father’s right hand, but He is interceding for us.
Look back at Matthew 14:22-24. Jesus may have sent the disciples into a storm ahead, but He then went to pray- to intercede for them. Jesus will never abandon you. He adores you. He chose you. He gave his life for you.
Will you trust Him when times get hard and the winds of life stir things up and the waves come crashing down on you? [To be continued……….]