Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Matthew 14:22-24 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
UPS AND DOWNS
Time marches on, but often it seems like a quick march. Immediately after some great and stirring event, we are often plunged into something very different. Jesus does not even let the disciples usher the people out, or discuss the significance of 5,000 men, plus women and children, being fed with five biscuits and two small fish. Instead He immediately orders them into the boat and off they go to fight against a contrary wind for most of the night.
Even when we're following Jesus' direct commands, there may still be struggles waiting for us up ahead. But no matter if the "downs" follow the "ups" like the waves and troughs before the bow of our ship. We have the fresh memory of our Savior and His great compassion!
Jesus at last had His time alone with His heavenly Father, and it must have seemed to the disciples as though He knew nothing about their plight. But He knew where they were and how they were suffering. He would not fail them nor forsake them.
