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 would have passed by them. – Mark 6:48 (KJV).
REFERENCE
Mark 6:45-51
Sometimes, life’s challenges can make you think you are all alone and that God cannot see your struggles; or worse, He cannot help you, which is why He hasn’t come to your rescue. We read in today’s passage, that the disciples were at sea in obedience to Jesus when they encountered a contrary wind, which made them TOIL IN ROWING their boat. Thinking about the scenario, this must have been a traumatic experience for the disciples.
It could possibly have looked like one of those challenges in life that make people sometimes just give up because it doesn’t seem like there is a way out for them. Imagine for a moment: What way or option is there when you are in the middle of nowhere on the sea in a boat, where the wind is against you, at an unusual hour? Not much as we can see.
The devil must have played tricks on their minds that day, telling them how impossible it was for them to access any help.
However, Jesus “Saw them toiling in rowing.” He must have perceived them with the eyes of His Spirit, for nothing is hidden from His omniscience. I don’t think it was with His physical eyes He saw them, for it was between late in the evening and the 4th watch of the night (about 3AM). He did not stop at ‘seeing their toil’ but He did something about their situation.
It is so good and comforting to know that Jesus sees us even in our darkest hour. Nothing can veil His lovely face from seeing us because even darkness is as light before Him. Moreover, He is ever willing to come to our aid just like He did for the disciples on this occasion. When He stepped into their boat, the raging sea became calm because even the sea respects His authority.
JESUS WILL NOT LET YOU SINK; HE SEES YOUR TOIL AND WILL BE RIGHT ON TIME TO RESCUE YOU!
Enjoy TRANQUILITY from every struggle and TOIL this Thursday!
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Psalm 93:1-4, 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Psalm 121:1-8.
CONFESSION:
“Lord I thank You that You see and You are concerned about the toil and struggle I have in my life today, thank You for stepping in as my ‘Way Maker.’ I receive the way of escape You have provided for me today in Jesus name.”
