Matthew 14:22-25

²² Immediately he compelled the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he released the crowds.

²³ And after he had released the crowds, he climbed the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone,

²⁴ but by this time the boat was a long way from the land, and being beaten by the waves, because the wind was against them.

²⁵ Then in the fourth watch of the night he went to them, by walking on the sea.

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watch the water

The disciples had just participated in a major miracle. They had also been traveling most of the day, and they were exhausted. The last thing they wanted to do was get back into their boat and travel again. Perhaps this is why Matthew says that Jesus compelled them to go. He had to insist.

The wind was against them, so they had to work to even move the boat. It was going to take a long night of hard labor to get to the other side of the Lake of Galilee. But even while doing that, the disciples had time to think about why they were alone again. Jesus had stayed behind. Why?

Maybe you are in a transition point in your life. Perhaps you have just completed a major project that you have worked on for years. Maybe you have just lost a loved one. Or, maybe you are just on the verge of some change in your life. Maybe you are just rowing hard to get to the other side of the lake, and you do not see Jesus anymore. Don’t worry. He’s praying for you. He’s on his way. He has not forgotten about you. Watch the water.

LORD, give us the wisdom to keep following you, even in those times when we feel like we have left you behind.