In the Gospel of Mark, we find a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced life’s storms. Jesus walking on water is not just an account of His divine power, but a vivid reminder of God’s faithfulness, His presence in our struggles, and the promises He calls us to trust. Let us dive deeper into this passage and uncover the treasures it holds for our daily lives.
Mark 6:45 King James Version
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
The Storms We Face: God’s Classroom
Picture the scene: Jesus has just performed the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The disciples, still marvelling at what they witnessed, are sent out onto the Sea of Galilee while Jesus retreats to pray. As night falls, a storm arises, and they find themselves straining at the oars against fierce winds. Why would Jesus send them into such a situation?
This moment wasn’t random. It was a divine setup—a classroom where their faith would be tested and refined. Similarly, in our lives, storms often serve as God’s way of teaching us to trust Him more deeply. These trials are not punishments but opportunities to grow spiritually. As James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
When we face storms—be it financial struggles, health crises, or emotional pain—it’s easy to feel abandoned. But these moments are often where God does His greatest work in us. They strip away our illusions of control and invite us to lean entirely on Him.
Jesus Sees You in the Storm
Mark tells us that as Jesus prayed on the mountain, He saw His disciples struggling against the wind and waves (Mark 6:48). This detail is profoundly comforting: even when we feel alone in our battles, Jesus sees us. He is not distant or unaware; He watches over us with compassion and readiness to act.
In the darkest hour—just before dawn—Jesus walks out to them on the water. The disciples are terrified, mistaking Him for a ghost. But He immediately speaks words that calm their fears: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).
The phrase “It is I” carries profound significance. In Greek, it echoes ego eimi, meaning “I AM,” the name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Jesus isn’t merely offering reassurance; He is declaring His divinity and His authority over all creation. This same Jesus who calmed their storm walks with us today, speaking peace into our chaos.
Walking on the Promise
Faith often requires stepping out into uncertainty. In Matthew’s parallel account (Matthew 14:28-31), Peter asks to walk on water toward Jesus. For a moment, he succeeds—but when he notices the wind and waves, fear overtakes him, and he begins to sink.
How often do we do the same? We start with bold faith but falter when circumstances seem overwhelming. Yet even in Peter’s failure, there is grace: “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31).
To walk on God’s promises means trusting Him even when logic says otherwise. It means believing Isaiah 41:10—“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” It means standing firm on His Word despite what your eyes see or your heart feels.
Hardened Hearts and Forgetful Minds
Mark notes that the disciples were “utterly astounded” when Jesus calmed the storm because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:51-52). Despite witnessing countless miracles—including the feeding of thousands—they struggled to grasp who Jesus truly was.
This detail hits close to home. How often do we forget God’s past faithfulness when faced with new challenges? Like the disciples, we can become so focused on our immediate struggles that we lose sight of His unchanging character.
But God is patient with our doubts. Each storm is an invitation to remember His goodness and grow in trust.
Practical Steps for Trusting God in Your Storm
- Focus on Jesus: When fear threatens to overwhelm you, fix your eyes on Christ rather than your circumstances (Hebrews 12:2). Meditate on His promises and let them anchor your soul.
- Pray Honestly: Like the disciples crying out in fear, bring your raw emotions to God in prayer. He welcomes your honesty and meets you where you are.
- Reflect on Past Faithfulness: Keep a journal of answered prayers and moments when God carried you through difficult times. Revisit these testimonies when doubt creeps in.
- Lean on Community: Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you and remind you of God’s truth during tough seasons.
- Rest in His Sovereignty: Trust that even when you can’t see it, God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
A Personal Reflection
I once faced a season where everything seemed to fall apart—relationships strained, finances dwindled, and anxiety loomed large. In my desperation, I cried out to God like the disciples did in their storm. Slowly but surely, He reminded me of His promises through Scripture and quiet moments of prayer.
One verse that became my lifeline was Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” It didn’t mean my problems vanished overnight, but it gave me peace—a peace that surpassed understanding (Philippians 4:7). Looking back now, I see how that storm shaped my faith in ways calm waters never could.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Walking: A Spiritual Journey Toward Faith and Transformation
Quote of the Day: “Silence the voice of fear and discover your potential in God”
Closing Encouragement
The story of Jesus walking on water reminds us that storms are inevitable but never insurmountable when we walk with Him. Whatever you’re facing today—whether it feels like gentle waves or a raging tempest—know this: You are not alone. The same Savior who walked toward His disciples walks toward you now with outstretched arms.
Take heart in His words: “Do not be afraid.” Step out boldly onto His promises, trusting that He will carry you through every trial and lead you safely to the other side.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalms 59 King James Version
1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5 Thou therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
8 But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
