John 6:16-21:
16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. 20 They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! (NLT).
Over the last few months in captivity, I’ve kept coming back to this part of John. To me, it has a strong connection to the importance of vision in Proverbs 29:18: “When there’s no God-breathed vision to live in and pursue, people lose all sense of identity and integrity. But those who listen for his voice and walk with him are truly joyful” (my paraphrase).
So, just a couple thoughts I’ve had about it:
V16: Having no sense of your identity or purpose other than following a leader only works until you can’t see him.
V17: Without a purposeful vision, we usually go back to what’s familiar and somewhat controllable.
V18: That never goes well.
V19: In a state of wavering trust (WAVEring- get it?), we become exhausted, stressed, fearful, bitter, disappointed, and WHAT THE WHAT?
V20 & 21: When God wants to give you a new vision—of who he is for you, and who you’re becoming in him—it’s almost always uncomfortable, unfathomable, and uncontainable. It’s your opportunity to let go of dependency on your own understanding, trust him at a new level, and make yourself available to grow and go as fast as he really wants to.
Sometimes we’re waiting for Jesus to validate our static self-pity, but he’s up ahead waving at us to leave our old mindsets behind, and join him on the path to the next part of the adventure. And often, as soon as you do, you’re there.
Equip Your Spirit 