In Gospel of Mark 6, the disciples are straining on the oars in the midst of the evening. The wind is in opposition to them. They’re exhausted. After which they see one thing that terrifies them much more than the storm — Jesus strolling towards them on the water.
They suppose He’s a ghost.
After which come these highly effective phrases:
“Don’t be afraid. Take braveness! I’m right here!”
These phrases should not only for fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They’re for you. They’re for me. They’re for each believer rowing onerous in opposition to opposite winds.
Let’s break it down.
1. “Don’t Be Afraid”
Concern is pure. However it’s not meant to steer you.
The disciples had already seen Jesus feed 5,000 folks. That they had watched miracles with their very own eyes. But when the wind picked up and the waves rose, concern took over.
Right here’s the reality:
You possibly can witness miracles and nonetheless wrestle with concern.
Concern shouts. Religion whispers.
Concern focuses on the wind. Religion focuses on Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t disgrace them. He merely instructions concern to loosen its grip.
And He does the identical with us.
2. “Take Braveness”
Braveness isn’t the absence of concern.
Braveness is shifting ahead regardless of it.
Discover one thing necessary: Jesus doesn’t calm the storm first. He speaks braveness first.
Generally God removes the storm.
Generally He strengthens you in it.
We regularly pray, “Lord, change my circumstances.”
He usually solutions, “Let Me change you in your circumstances.”
That’s deeper. That’s stronger. That lasts longer.
3. “I Am Right here”
That is the center of the passage.
In some translations, Jesus says, “It’s I.” Within the unique language, it echoes the divine identify — “I AM.”
That is greater than identification.
That is revelation.
The One strolling on the chaos is similar God who revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM.”
The waves have been underneath His ft.
The storm that terrified the disciples was nothing greater than pavement to Him.
And when He obtained into the boat, the wind ceased.
What This Means for You
Chances are you’ll be:
- Rowing onerous in a season of resistance
- Praying and seeing no speedy change
- Dealing with well being, monetary, household, or ministry challenges
- Questioning why obedience has led right into a storm
Right here is the regular fact:
If Jesus despatched you into the boat, He is aware of precisely the place you might be.
The storm didn’t shock Him.
Your exhaustion didn’t shock Him.
Your concern doesn’t shock Him.
And He involves you.
Not all the time in your timeline.
However all the time on the proper time.
A Laborious however Useful Fact
Generally we expect peace means calm water.
Biblical peace means the presence of Jesus.
You will be in a storm and nonetheless be safe — if He’s within the boat.
The disciples have been safer in that storm with Jesus approaching than they’d have been on dry land with out Him.
Ultimate Thought
In case you really feel like you might be straining on the oars at this time, hear these phrases personally:
Don’t be afraid.
Take braveness.
He’s right here.
Not distant.
Not unaware.
Not late.
Right here.
And that adjustments every part.
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