THE BOAT IS SINKING!
“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear” (Matthew 14:26).
Right after the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish, Jesus asked the disciples to go ahead of Him by boat, while He went to pray alone along the shore. It was hard for the disciples to obey that request, because they did not want to leave; they wanted to crown Jesus king right then and there. “Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible of fulfillment.”—The Desire of Ages, ch. 40, p. 378. Their stubbornness and self-confidence caused them to delay their departure. When at last they left to cross the sea, they were as upset as the wind. If you listen to God’s voice before making an impulsive decision, you will avoid unnecessary storms. The Sea of Galilee is actually a lake about 13 miles long at its longest point, and 7.5 miles wide at its widest point. It is very susceptible to winds, and the disciples were rowing against the wind (see Mark 6:48). They knew that they were in great danger. The trip should have taken one hour, but they were taking the whole night (see Matthew 14:25). If you trust more in God’s word than in your own wisdom, you will avoid many delays. While they struggled against the storm, their own stormy thoughts began to calm down. “God often does this when men create burdens and troubles for themselves.”—ibid, p. 380.
The night wore on amidst constant lightning and thunder. the disciples had been rowing hard for about nine hours, and at the darkest hour, during the fourth watch (between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.), a silhouette appeared over the water. They cried out in terror! They didn’t expect to see Jesus in that form or at that hour. In your darkest hour, in the midst of a stormy sea of difficulties, God appears in the place, at the time, and in the form that you least imagine. Fear makes you see ghosts where you actually have a source of help. Fear limits and distorts our spiritual vision. “How often do we tug at the oars, as though our own strength and wisdom were sufficient, until we find our efforts useless. Then, with trembling hands and failing strength, we give up the work to Jesus and confess we are unable to perform it.
Our compassionate Redeemer pities our weakness; and when, in answer to the cry of faith, He takes up the work we ask Him to do, how easily He accomplishes that which seemed to us so difficult.” -Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 530.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Angelica Cuate & Esteban Cortes