The Fourth Watch

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd November 13, 2015 - Filed in Devotional - 11,845 views
  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 WEB
  
  Peter, James, John and the other disciples were in the boat struggling to row against the wind. It was now late night and the wind and waves beat against the boat. They had entered the boat to cross to the other side just 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 would take them right through the storm, and Jesus was not there for He was on the mountain praying. They were facing the storm alone, but in the darkest, coldest part of the night, Jesus came to them and 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 bring Him back inline with their teachings.
  
  The disciples suffered from some of this as well (52), just as we all do in various areas. We need to stay teachable, stay flexible, for we serve the Living God Almighty who is infinitely intelligent. We still have more to learn about God than an ant setting out to build a space station.
  
  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 (Gen. 32:24). Have you ever gone through a season where you wake up each night at 3 A.M.? I certainly have. 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 attempts 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, or an impression come to me. If you have a problem with God speaking to someone, remember to stay teachable. 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. Speak to me in a clear way that I can understand and guide me today. Lord, please calm the storms in my life for a single word from You makes everything OK. Fill me with Your peace and presence and grow stronger and stronger in my life.
  
  Note: Good morning and happy Friday! The highlighted group for the week was just created this week: "Spiritually Single". This group is focused on supporting those who are married to "pre-believers" and have to deal with the special challenges involved. If this is you, please do go to the Groups link on the site menu and join! Have a blessed day :)!