In a world filled with distractions and endless pursuits, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The story of Jesus walking on water in Mark chapter 6 isn't just another miracle account—it's a profound revelation about God's presence in our struggles and what deserves our ultimate focus.
What Happens When We Obey God but Still Face Resistance?
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus commanded his disciples to cross the lake to Bethsaida while he dismissed the crowd. The disciples obeyed immediately, but something unexpected happened—the wind began blowing against them, making their journey difficult and exhausting.
This presents a challenging reality: sometimes the wind blows against us not because we're disobeying God, but precisely because we're following his commands. The disciples weren't struggling because they were out of God's will; they were struggling while being exactly where God told them to be.
When Following God Gets Difficult
Many of us expect that turning our lives over to God should make everything easier. We anticipate smooth sailing when we're walking in obedience. But the disciples' experience teaches us that just because the wind is against you doesn't mean God isn't for you.
Sometimes the very fact that you're facing resistance is confirmation that you're heading in the right direction. The enemy often works hardest against those who are moving toward God's purposes.
Why Does God Allow Struggles in Our Obedience?
When everything comes easily, we tend to take credit for our success. We look at our accomplishments and think, "Look what I did." But when we face resistance while doing what's right, we're reminded of our dependence on God.
Resistance Often Leads to Revelation
God reveals himself most powerfully during our struggles. It's in the hard times that we notice his presence in new ways—through a timely song, a scripture that suddenly comes alive, or circumstances that clearly show his hand at work.
The disciples needed to understand that their strength wasn't sufficient. They needed to see that it wasn't their rowing ability that would get them across the lake, but God's power working in their lives.
Does God See Us When We're Struggling?
One of the most comforting aspects of this story is found in verse 48: "He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard, struggling against the wind and waves." While the disciples felt alone in their struggle, Jesus was watching from the mountainside where he had gone to pray.
You're Not Alone in Your Battle
Even when it feels like you're fighting alone, God sees your struggle. He notices your pain, your effort, and your perseverance. More than just seeing, he's interceding for you, praying for you, and rooting for your success.
The image of Jesus on the mountain, praying while watching his disciples struggle, reminds us that we have a God who is actively involved in our lives even when we can't sense his presence.
How Far Will God Go to Reach Us?
Jesus didn't just observe the disciples' struggle from a distance. Around 3 AM, he came to them—walking on water. He did the impossible to reach them in their time of need.
God Will Do the Impossible for You
This reveals something profound about God's character: he will do whatever it takes to get to you. He'll meet you in your lowest moments, in your deepest struggles, in the late hours when everyone else is sleeping. He doesn't put you on "do not disturb."
Why Did Jesus Intend to Pass Them By?
Here's where the story takes an interesting turn. Mark tells us that Jesus "intended to go past them." He was walking close enough for them to see him, but he would have continued on if they hadn't cried out.
God Won't Force Himself Into Your Life
This teaches us that while God will reveal himself to us, he won't force his way into our situations. He's a gentleman who respects our choice to invite him in or handle things on our own.
How many times might we have let Jesus pass us by because of pride, stubbornness, or the desire to prove ourselves? He shows himself, but it takes our cry for help to make him stop and enter our circumstances.
What Really Matters in This Story?
Interestingly, Mark's account leaves out details that Matthew includes—specifically, Peter walking on water. Why would Mark omit such a significant detail, especially since he likely got his information from Peter himself?
It's Not About What We Do
Perhaps by the time Mark wrote his Gospel, Peter had gained enough wisdom to know what truly mattered. It wasn't important that Peter had walked on water for a few steps before sinking. What mattered was what happened when Jesus got into the boat.
When Jesus climbed into the boat, the wind stopped. Everything changed. The miracle wasn't in Peter's brief walk on water—it was in Jesus' power to calm the storm and reveal his true identity.
Missing the Significance
Mark explains that the disciples were amazed because "they still didn't understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves." They had just witnessed Jesus feed 5,000 people, but they missed the deeper meaning—that Jesus himself was the bread of life, the one who would be broken for them.
Don't Miss What God Is Trying to Show You
Sometimes we get so caught up in the miracle that we miss the meaning. We focus on what God does for us rather than who God is. We celebrate the blessing but miss the revelation of his character and love.
The feeding of the 5,000 wasn't just about multiplying bread and fish—it was about Jesus revealing himself as the source of life. The walking on water wasn't just about defying physics—it was about showing his divine nature and his commitment to be with his people in their struggles.
Life Application
This week, when you face resistance while doing what you know is right, remember that the wind blowing against you doesn't mean God is against you. Instead of becoming discouraged, look for how God might be revealing himself in new ways through your struggle.
Take time to cry out to God in your difficulties rather than trying to handle everything in your own strength. He's watching, he's praying for you, and he's willing to do the impossible to reach you—but you need to invite him into your boat.
Most importantly, don't get so focused on what you're doing for God that you miss what he's trying to show you about himself. The miracles in your life aren't ultimately about the blessing—they're about the revealer of the blessing.
**Questions for Reflection:**
- Are you currently facing resistance while trying to do what's right? How might God be using this struggle to reveal himself to you?
- When have you let pride keep you from crying out to God for help?
- What "miracles" in your life might you be celebrating while missing their deeper significance about God's character and love?
- How can you shift your focus from what you're doing for God to what God is revealing about himself through your circumstances?
