When I get ahead of Jesus, it can be a challenge to get back with him.
That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him.
John 6v16
The exhausted disciples are grateful for Jesus sending them ahead to get the boat ready.
But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum.
John 6v17
Waiting brings questions: Was I supposed to wait? How long? I can be driven from resting in faith by seemingly pressing needs – and what harm is there?
Sometimes when I get ahead I open myself to circumstances that teach me the consequences of my presumption.
Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles
John 6v18-19
Everything goes wrong. They have missed Jesus, it is dark, they are exhausted and they are rowing against a gale. They are so discouraged.
Going ahead of Jesus leads me into a confused mess while waiting for Jesus can feel interminable and leaves me open to questions of why I am not taking initiative. Faith is tested.
when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified,
Jesus comes, but not as anticipated, so in fear they want to reject him.
but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat,
John 6v20-21
Mercifully, Jesus takes the initiative to get back to those who have gone without him.
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Photo by Kevin Andre on Unsplash