In Mark 6:45-50 we find an amazing account of Jesus and his disciples, “And straightway he commanded his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethseda, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and he would have passed them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto him, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” The Message Bible of verse 48 declares, “He could see his men struggling, the wind having come up against him.”
Persecutions and Afflictions are Inevitable
From this account we can see the disciples, in the will of God, struggling against oncoming, opposing winds. Have you had any winds that have or are presently opposing you? Welcome to life and Christianity 101. They come as a result of living for Him. Opposition and challenges are certain to come our way. Job 5:7 declares, “Yet man is born into trouble, as sparks fly upward.” Psalm 34:19 declares, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Moffat’s Translation declares, “The good man may have many a mishap, but from them all the Eternal rescues him.” In Mark 4:17 Jesus declares, “…when afflictions or persecutions arise for the Word sake, immediately they are offended.” 2 Timothy 3:12 declares, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Jesus shall suffer persecution.” The Phillip’s Translation declares, “Persecution is inevitable for those who are determined to live really Christian lives.” Then in John 15:20 Jesus said, “They persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” J.C. Ryles summed it up when he once said, “The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.” The God News is, Jesus is walking in a supernatural way to get into your boat and see you through the struggle to the other side of your battle!
Counting It All Joy
James 1:2-4 declares, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The Beck’s Translation declares, “When you are tested in different ways, my fellow Christians, consider it nothing but rejoicing.” The Berkley declares, “Consider it maximum joy, my brothers, when you are involved in all sorts of trials.” It is human behavior, when the storms of life meet us head on, that we run the opposite way. But when we tap into the supernatural joy of God in our spirit man, we can rejoice with exceeding joy! Joy is a force within the recreated born again believer and serves as a strength to us in harder times especially. Nehemiah 8:10 (a) declares, “…for this day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” We can rejoice he will deliver us through the impending storm or trial!
Don’t Stand Still, Get Through!
Psalm 138:7 declares, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Determine to walk through the storm and not stand still. At all cost, keep moving and God will deliver you to the other side for sure!
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