Over the last couple of weeks, we have focused our attention on the struggling disciples in the storm from Mark 6:45-52. They were where they were, not out of disobedience to the Lord or by venturing out on their own, but were where He had told them to go. Their direction and their destination were all determined by the Lord. Nothing comes into our lives by chance or accident but is completely under His control.
Last time, we saw them toiling in rowing, vs 48. Not where they planned to be or longed to be but were in the midst of the sea, vs 47.
Notice the wondrous words of vs 48-And he saw them toiling in rowing—the word saw means to see with perception; it is seeing with full understanding. You know, I often see people hurting; I see them struggling with certain things, but I can’t always understand the depth of their hurt and their pain. But He does! I can see a worried face, but He sees the troubled heart. I can see the hurt in one’s eyes, but He sees the brokenness of the heart. So, consider this thought—
When we cannot see Him, He sees us—I’m not sure that you’ve ever been in just that situation, but many saints have. The place when you, for whatever reason, just can’t seem to see or find Him. Job said in Job 23:1-3-Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! vs 8-9-Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. Have you ever been there? Are you there right now? I have had occasions that it seemed I just couldn’t find Him. Oh, my salvation is sure; my calling is sure; my relationship is secure; but, in the midst of my situation, it seemed that Heaven was silent.
Oh, but please don’t miss the next thing Job said; vs 10-But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job seems to say, “I can’t seem to find Him; I look to my left and right, but He doesn’t seem to reveal Himself, but He knows where I am. He knows what I’m going through and when He is finished, I will be the better for it all.” That is truth that will hold you in life’s storms.
Even though the disciples could not see Jesus, He saw them. Weary saint; weakened soldier; worried mother; worn father; you may not be able to see Him right now in all that you’re going through but, mark it in your Bible; highlight it; underline it from our text, And he saw them toiling in rowing. When we cannot see Him, He sees us. There is more truth that we’ll look at next time from this verse.
