I can only imagine how weary the disciples must have been early that morning. Not all toiling is physical in nature. I have toiled many times in the midnight hour with a problem or a burden that was heavy on my heart. I’ve wondered why it seemed that, when I needed the Lord the most, I couldn’t see or sense Him. (It must have been how Mary and Martha felt those four days before Jesus came to Bethany.) Yet, all the while that He was on the mountain, He had His eyes on them. But you can’t help noticing what happens next in Mark 6:48-and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea.
When we can’t get to Him, He comes to us—it was between 3 and 6 am when He came walking on the sea. There have been times I wondered if He would ever show up, but He did. You see, He has a plan. In His purpose and in His time, He will step into the storm you’re in. Why did He wait so long? Why didn’t He come sooner? Questions that the children of God have asked through the ages. Questions that I don’t have an answer for, but rest assured, when the time is right, He will come walking across the waves of our stormy seas.
When He came, He spoke words of comfort and peace, vs 50-and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. When He stepped into the ship, the winds ceased, vs 51. Only He can do that! Can I remind you that He could have controlled the storm and calmed the seas from the mountain? But He chose to walk across the sea, through the storm, and come to them.
I don’t have all the answers as to why the Lord chose this way to teach His disciples, but He used the storm. I don’t have the answers as to why you may be struggling in your storm as you are today. I recently read a statement by Charles Stanley about waiting on God. He said, “You don’t have to know the best path for your life or toward what you are waiting for—God is faithful to lead you. He understands the safest, most effective, most efficient way to take you—the road that prepares you perfectly for what is ahead. Though it may not be the route you would have chosen for yourself—and it may be taking longer than you’d like—you can rest assured that as long as you keep your eyes on Him, you are right on track.” Amen!
He knows where you are. He knows what you’re going through. He sees you struggling to keep the ship on course but, rest assured when the time is right, He will walk across the waves of your storm and speak peace to your heart. Don’t lose hope; don’t lose faith. This same Jesus cares about you and will come to you when the time is right.