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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Struggling in the Wind

July 28, 2010

Mark 6:47-49
When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out.” (NIV)

Have you ever flown a kite in the wind? A strong wind is helpful to get the kite up high. Have you ever had to walk into a strong wind from a storm? You push your body forward to try to walk. You pick up each foot slowly to put one foot in front of the other. It is difficult, and the wind is not helpful.

One night, Jesus had sent the disciples out on a boat in a lake while He was in prayer on the shore. Later, Jesus watched the disciples from far away. He saw that they were struggling to row the boat because there was a strong wind.

Jesus then walked on the water of the lake, and was about to walk past the boat when the disciples cried out in fear. He told them not to be afraid, because it was He. When He got in the boat with them, the storm stopped.

When we are in Christ Jesus, our difficulties make us stronger in faith. Jesus tells us through His Word that He is always with us. With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, our faith tells us that we can trust Jesus’ words and know that He is with us.

Sometimes, as we are in the middle of our difficulties, struggling with what we should do next, Jesus seems far away. Just as we struggle to walk in the wind, we struggle with our decisions. Even as we cry out to him in prayer, He is with us. There is no difficulty, no problem, or no sickness that is too big for Jesus.

Dear Lord, we know this life will bring difficulties. At times You may seem far away. Help us to remember that You are always with us, and that You will answer our every prayer for help. Amen.

Lois Diebel, Ministry Consultant – FL & GA
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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