Have you ever felt like you’re struggling alone, wondering if God even sees you in your toughest moments? Today, we’re diving into a powerful story in Mark 6:48 that shows how Jesus not only sees us in our trials but also uses these moments to point us to His divine will.
Truth #1: Jesus Sees Us Even in Our Battles
In Mark 6:48, it says, “Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them.” Jesus, fully aware of His disciples’ struggle against the wind, shows us that even when we feel distant from God, He sees us. Crossing the sea at night was risky, heightening the disciples’ fear and need for help. For us today, this assures us that Jesus never loses sight of us, even in our struggles. His watchfulness reflects His omnipresence and deep compassion.
Truth #2: Struggles Don’t Mean We’re Out of God’s Will
As a Christian, I used to think that when I faced challenges, it meant I had sinned or done something wrong. But I’ve learned that’s not always the case. In Mark 6, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea knowing they’d face difficulties. Sometimes, when we obey God and things start falling apart, we wonder if we misunderstood His call. But this story reminds us that obedience can lead to tough situations, and that’s okay. God’s will isn’t always easy, but it’s always purposeful. Just as the disciples were where Jesus wanted them, our struggles are part of God’s sanctification process for us, helping us grow in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).
Truth #3. Jesus Approaches Us at the Right Moment
There have been many times when I was ready to give up, questioning my faith and wondering where God was. But just like Jesus did with the disciples, He shows up! The timing—”the fourth watch of the night,” between 3 and 6 a.m.—reminds us that even when God feels silent, He is always on time. In Mark 6, this resonates with the Jewish tradition of night watches, symbolizing God’s constant protection, like the pillar of fire and cloud in Exodus 13. Today, it teaches us to trust in God’s perfect timing, even during difficult, uncertain, or silent seasons.
As Charles Stanley famously said, “Obey God and leave the consequences up to Him.” By trusting that Jesus sees, leads, and will arrive precisely when needed, we find peace in God’s will, despite life’s storms.