“So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw JESUS walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid” (John 6:19).
John includes an extra miracle that the other Gospels don’t mention in this same story: the speed with which they came to shore once Jesus got in the boat with them (see John 6:21). Jesus asked the disciples to go Bethsaida, but they headed for Capernaum (see Mark 6:45; John 6:17). When they disembarked with Jesus, they came to Gennesaret (see Matthew 14:34). Bethsaida is on the northeast shore of the lake, Capernaum is between Gennesaret and Bethsaida, and Gennesaret is toward the west. God has a Bethsaida for you, a point to the north on the map of your destiny. Your fears and doubts get you off course and you will end up in places you had not planned to travel. When the storms of life blow you off course, invite Jesus into your boat, because He will always have a better alternative.
The disciples had only advanced about three miles after rowing long hours (between six and nine) in the dark, in the midst of the fury the waves. Later, Jesus reached them by walking over the stormy waves, and said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). The attitude of the disciples changed then; their initial fear and anger had dissipated, and they were not ready to receive Him. When we insist on doing our own will, Jesus respects our independence until we begin to miss Him; but if you ask Him to, He will open up an expressway in the middles of any storm.
Jesus entered the boat, and at once they arrived at Gennesaret (see verse 21). The time they had wasted fighting against the deadly waves was made up for. ‘No sooner had Jesus taken His place in the boat than the wind ceased, ‘and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.’ The night of horror was succeeded by the light of dawn. The disciples, and others who also were on board, bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying, ‘Of a truth Thou art the Son of God!’‘—The Desire of Ages, ch. 40, p. 350.
We spend too much time following our own plans, trying to arrive by our own strength. We then end up rowing in one spot, without success, and we get frustrated. Jesus appears in unimaginable circumstances, and in a moment, our journey improves; we may not be at the destination we had planned, but we will be at the destination Jesus chose for us, which of course will be much better.
All the obstacles that frustrate us will be overcome, and we will come into a safe port. Though the night may be dark and the waves may seem like they will destroy our boat, be of good courage: Jesus is with us. No matter how long the night, the morning will come, and our fears will turn into amazement and delight.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
