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Struggling Against the Wind

Have you ever noticed that life can be hard? I know, amazing revelation there, but I'm pretty sure it's true. Just when you think things are finally going your way - BAM! You get hit with another one. I've come to the point where if I have that thought - that, "hey life isn't so bad right now" thought - my next thought is "uh oh. Why did I just think that?" as if not recognizing a current lack of difficulties could ward off future difficulties.

In Mark 6, the disciples are out on the lake in a storm, and Jesus isn't with them. He actually told them to cross the lake without Him (The Message translation says He insisted), and when they're "far out to sea," the wind picks up against them. Jesus, who is waaayyyy back on land, "could see His men struggling with the oars." So He comes walking on by, and scares His disciples half to death. When Jesus sees that they're afraid, He comforts them immediately and climbs into the boat. The wind dies down, and they cross the rest of the way in peace.

Have you ever been "far out to sea," doing exactly what you're sure God has asked you to do when the winds pick up? You're frantically rowing, doing everything you can think of to stay on course, but the forces against you are just too strong? You're exhausted from trying. You wonder what you did wrong. "Was it even God Who wanted me to do this?" you ask. You're confused, maybe even angry or depressed. Definitely frustrated.

At least you're in good company. I have a funny feeling that those same thoughts went through the disciples' heads. And even though it seems that Jesus is waaaayyyy back on land, He sees you, and He'll walk on water through the storm to come to you. You may not recognize Him at first, but He'll be quick to comfort you . . . and to climb into your boat - and with Jesus in your boat, there's not much else that matters. 

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