deep waters, dark nights.....

In the flim The Perfect Storm, a caitain and crew head out for what they hope will be an uneventful fishing expedition. in their quest for a bountiful catch, they motor far past their normal fishing location. There they find great success, but as they turn for home they encounter the horrifying combination of two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane. The crew struggles as they attemp to cut through deep waters, a dark night, pounding waves, and shireking winds. Ultimately, the fierce weather overwhelms them.

As the disciples made their way across the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, they too found themselves in a ferocious storm - experiencing turbulent, deep watersand a dark night. They struggled to sail throughpounding waves and shrieking winds. Though they could not see Jesus, Jesus could see them (Mark 6:48). He saw their exhausion, desperation, and even their lack of progress. Not only did He see them, He came to them in an unexpected and powerful way, walking on the water (Mark 6:48-49). When Jesus walked on the water, He gave them a glimpse of the ultimated power of God. Though they couldn't speak, Jesus spoke to them:"Don't be afraid.... Take courage! I am here!" (Mark 6:50). His words and presence gave them courage.

If we're experiencing deep waters and dark nights, remember... When we can't see Jesus, Jesus sees us. He sees our hard work, exhaustion, sorrow, fear, and our lack of progress, and He cares deeply for us. When we can't come to Jesus, Jesus comes to us. In unexpected and powerful ways. His coming is not always to deliver us, but to remind us that He's still in control and will not let us be overwhelmed. When we can't speak to Jesus, Jesus speaks to us. He speaks powerful words of assurance:"I am here...!"

Mark 6:45-51