Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, 'Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid.' Mark 6:48 WEBPeter, James, John, and the other disciples were in their fishing boat struggling to row against the wind. It was now late night and the wind and waves beat against their small craft. They had entered the boat to cross the sea of Galilee as Jesus had told them, but now they were faced with a relentless, opposing wind.
God's path for them was on the other shore, which took them right through the storm. Jesus was not with them, for He had remained behind on the mountain to pray. The disciples felt they were facing this storm alone, but in the darkest, coldest part of the night, Jesus came to them by walking across the water. Then He said 'Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid!'
At the pinnacle of their struggle, Jesus appeared and calmed the storm, but they did not understand for their hearts were hardened. Hardness of heart is a lack of spiritual perception, that lack of 'readiness to learn' that followed the pharisees and scribes. Jesus could teach them nothing because they were too busy trying to correct His error and to bring Him back inline with their own teachings.
The disciples suffered from some of this as well (Mark 6:52), just as we all do in various areas. We all need to stay teachable, stay flexible, for we serve the Almighty Living God who is infinitely intelligent. We have more to learn about God than an ant setting out to build a space station.
Have you ever gone through a season where you wake up each night at 3 A.M.? I certainly have. The fourth watch of the night is 3 A.M. to 6 A.M. This is when Jesus came to them. Jacob wrestled with God during the fourth watch (Genesis 32:24). I remember an entire week where I woke up at 3:33 A.M. each morning. Around this time your mind has finally slowed down, your body is resting, and the Lord may attempt to speak to you.
So if things are dark, and the winds of life are blowing, do not be surprised if you wake up around this time. If you do, try praying and listening for a moment. Many times after this I will have a dream, a vision, a song, or an impression come to me that is meaningful. If you have a problem with God speaking to someone today, please remember that Jesus told us, 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me' (John 10:27).
Prayer: Jesus teach me to recognize Your voice. Please speak to me in a clear way that I can understand and guide me today. Lord please calm the storms in my life. A single word from You makes everything OK. Fill me with Your peace and presence, and grow stronger and stronger in my life. In Your name I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Amen!
Amen!!
Jesus,lead us and we will follow. Amen
Amen
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Thank You Pastor. I do that many times, even in the day.
3:33, 4:44, sometimes it's consistent for days.
Amen!!
This devotional is spot on for me today, I woke up on the 4th watch this morning and tossed and turned with so much on my mind. Father, bring me Your wisdom, guidance and peace, Amen.
Prayer: Jesus teach me to recognize Your voice. Please speak to me in a clear way that I can understand and guide me today. Lord please calm the storms in my life. A single word from You makes everything OK. Fill me with Your peace and presence, and grow stronger and stronger in my life. In Your name I pray. Amen!
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Thank you Jesus ......
Dear Father, I need You every day of my life. Speak to me in a way I can understand and lead me to do what You want me to do, Your word is the commanding force that I need to follow Your designs. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. That Your wisdom, guidance and peace be with me every day of my life.
Pastor as always thank you for devotionals like this, God bless you and Sylvia.
Amen Good Morning
Jesus teach me to recognize Your voice. Please speak to me in a clear way that I can understand and guide me today. Lord please calm the storms in my life. A single word from You makes everything OK. Fill me with Your peace and presence, and grow stronger and stronger in my life. In Your name I pray. Amen!
In Jesus name Amen. Thank You Father Yahweh for Your patience and grace.
Be with us dear God I love you. Praise God Praise Jesus. Amen
Yes, amen Lord
Amen, Thank you Lord
Amen!