The Oars

Week 8 Day 2.5+

Mark 6-7

Mark 6:48-52

⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified.
   Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, ⁵² for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. 


Interesting to remember this passage of how simple the event of things happened:

• disciples straining at the oars
• wind was against them
• Jesus wasn't in the boat at this time
• they just saw the miracle of feeding the 5,000
• but they forgot about it now that they're in a different scenario
• Jesus walked on water
• encouraged them again
• Jesus climbed into the boat
• the wind immediately died down
• still, they didn't understand what just happened
• their hearts were hardened (calloused)

Principles:

• When Jesus isn't in the boat, you'll keep straining at the oars.
• Remembering our past miracles will help keep us encouraged when we face new challenges in life.
• To take courage is to rest in the presence of God by inviting Him in the situation.
• We will not understand the workings of God if we have calloused hearts.

// BELLE:

I don't need to strain at the oars while the winds are against me if Jesus is already in the boat.
I just sail courageously and unafraid.  He's in my boat.  No strong winds will make me afraid.  I don't need to strain at the oars - the wind has died down.

// Lord, I do not understand this fully either.  But I trust in You.  Please help me to stop straining at the oars of life and just allow you to sail the boat for me.  Take me where ever you please.  In Jesus' name, amen.