What can we learn about faith from the disciples' experience in John 6:18? Setting the Scene “A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated.” (John 6:18) The disciples have just witnessed Jesus feed five thousand, yet a few hours later they are straining at the oars in the dark, without Him in the boat. Their crisis becomes a classroom on faith. The Reality of the Storm • Following Jesus does not exempt us from turbulent moments. • Obedience led the disciples into the boat (Mark 6:45), and obedience can place us squarely in a storm. • Scripture records the event as literal history, underscoring that God’s people encounter real, not metaphorical, trials. Faith Lessons from the Boat • Faith is tested when Jesus seems absent. – Darkness, distance, and danger combine to expose the limits of human strength. – 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • Christ sees before we sense His presence. – Mark 6:48 notes Jesus “saw the disciples straining,” though they could not see Him. – Our unseen Savior is never unaware. • Fear and faith can occupy the same moment, but faith must answer fear. – John 6:19–20: They were frightened, but Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” – Hebrews 11:1 reminds us faith is the assurance of things hoped for, even when waves are high. • Faith welcomes Jesus on His terms. – John 6:21: “Then they were willing to take Him into the boat.” – The storm did not cease because they mastered it; it ceased because they received Him. • Trusting Jesus brings swift deliverance. – “At once the boat reached the shore.” (John 6:21) – God can compress time and distance when His purpose is fulfilled. Putting It into Practice • Remember past provisions (John 6:11–13) when current winds rise. • Invite Jesus into every crisis immediately—delay prolongs turmoil. • Measure storms by the Savior who walks on them, not by the size of the waves. Faith’s Take-Away Real faith is not the absence of storms; it is confidence in the One who commands them. Look for Jesus in the darkness, welcome Him into the boat, and watch Him turn agitation into arrival. |
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