By now the disciples must have been desperately hoping for a break. But it was not to be. The whirlwind of activity races on to the end of chapter 6. When, at the end of the day, the impossible catered dinner was finished (verse 45), Jesus sent them out on the boat to cross the lake. The destination was Bethsaida. But there was a stiff headwind. They rowed all night against that wind and were getting nowhere. Just before dawn (the fourth watch of the night) Jesus rescued them from the wind.
They landed at Gennesaret where, earlier, Jesus had healed the demon possessed crazy man. As soon as they landed and got out of the boat, the people there immediately recognized him and began bringing sick people from all around the region for healing.
For at least two full days and nights, and on into the third day, there was no rest and no sleep for the disciples. Unless, perhaps, they put their heads between their knees and caught a little catnap during the sermon. Where did they get energy for all this?
In this there is a lesson on faith for ministry. Jesus was doing what he heard the Father telling him to do and the disciples were doing what they heard Jesus telling them to do. The power for it all came from the Holy Spirit as they obeyed. There is supernatural power in simple, unquestioning obedience.
II Corinthians 12:9 says that, when the apostle Paul was facing some unnamed difficulty, God told him,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
And Paul responded to that by saying,
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
What impossible task has God assigned to you? One for which you have little or no resources and/or ability. Let the bread to God be broken and multiplied in your heart and let the streams of living water flow out. It is not so much about what we do for God or what resources we have for doing it. It is more about what God does in us. John 15:7-8 says,
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Prayer: Thank You Jesus, that as I fill my heart with Your word and I obey it, living in Your will, You have promised to provide everything I need or want to carry out Your assignment and bear fruit for You. In that way, the Father is glorified. And that is the meaning of being a disciple.
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