When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:16-21 (ESV)
You have probably heard the story of Jesus walking on the water before.
Stick with me. This is going to get good…
This is such an interesting passage in the bible. It happens right after Jesus feeds the five thousand. In verses 14 and 15, Jesus can see that the people are so excited by the teaching and the miracle that they are winding themselves up to come and make him king. If someone wanted to come and make me queen, I don’t know that I would have the maturity or perspective to get away so it doesn’t happen.
Jesus withdraws. He goes up into the mountain by Himself. He knows that this earthly recognition and reward is not His path. God has a bigger plan than just relief of political suffering for the Jewish people and the whole world.
Jesus has been sent to heal the rift between God and man. To overcome evil itself. To set the stage for the whole world to be saved and delivered from sin. He has a bigger purpose than the here and now.
Evening comes and his disciples go out in a boat and head out to sea about three or four miles toward Capernaum.
Jesus starts coming across the top of the water toward them. Not in a boat, but just walking on the top of the water! They completely freak out…Wouldn’t you?!?
They were terrified. In fact, in Matthew 14, it says they thought He was a ghost. As he gets nearer, He says:
“It is I; do not be afraid.”
Suddenly the whole atmosphere changes. They go from fear to filled with joy.
They were glad to take Him into the boat and in no time at all they were at their destination.
This miracle makes me think about my life. Sometimes I have my mind made up how something is going to happen. Like the Jews, I look for the earthly solution to make my situation better. Then, God sends something different. Or calls me to do something different. And it scares me.
But, if I will listen to His voice. Hear Him say, “It’s me. You don’t have to be afraid.”
Then, my soul can fill with joy and I can invite Jesus into my life. I can truly live the life God has planned for me with Him right in the center. The One who comes to me, transforms me, and empowers me. His presence. His voice alone can move me from fear to faith.
He has power over the laws of nature because He wrote them. That is the author of my story.
Dear God, Let me have ears to hear Your voice and courage to invite you into my boat. Help me to change from what I want to what You do without too many temper tantrums. Let my life honor You and reveal You to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Action Step: In day one (CLICK HERE for that Devotional), we made a list of the impossible things in our lives to pray over.
If you haven’t made your list yet, make it now.
If you have made your list, go through and tell God about each of your needs, asking for His supernatural intervention.
Ask God to open your eyes to His solutions, even if they are not yours. Ask Him to open your ears to hear His reassuring voice as well.
Expect miracles. We serve the same God of the bible. He still does miracles today and will do them for you.