You know that way when you see something new in a bible story you’ve read dozen of times and you wonder why you’ve never seen it before?! Well, check out Mark 6:48 […He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them…]. When I recently read the verse it seemed to me that Mark may be suggesting that Jesus’ intention was to walk past the disciples as they struggled in the boat? The idea that they could be struggling, He knows they’re struggling and yet chooses to pass by is quite surprising and “worrying” in a way. But I’ve often thought that, with many of them being fishermen, a boat was the one place where they felt experienced, confident and self-sufficient. i.e. it was an arena where they were tempted to depend on themselves so maybe Jesus just left them to it? It’s quite a scary concept and has been challenging me to pray a bit more, especially in areas in my life I feel proficient, so I don’t miss out on Jesus and His support!
Perhaps you are like me and these fishermen. Often tempted to rely on ourselves because we feel ‘Yes, we can!’ do it (Thank you Obama and Bob by the way). This is not limited to work only. Perhaps you already have those who tell you how good a spouse, friend, sibling etc you are. These people already make you feel you are doing a good job with your relationship with them but how often do you ask for help with these relationships? I believe God likes to share all things with us – the good and the bad, the easy and difficult, the areas of strengths and weaknesses. Imagine having a friend who only shares the sad and weak areas of their lives with you. How wearisome they would be! A friend who shares their happy days with you, you will definitely welcome with open arms during their sad days.
I remember a man spoke about a journey with his wife someday. It was the easiest of journeys and not one that would cause even the worst of drivers to panic. At the beginning of their journey, his wife asked that they pray. Mr dismissed it saying it was not necessary seeing this was an easy journey so they did not pray. Basically, he was saying he could do this without any help- he definitely does not need a miracle to reach his destination! He recalled this event saying he has never had a more difficult journey in his life and now relies on God more often.
that is soo true. we definitely need to commit everything we do into God's hands.