Have you ever hiked in the mountains?  It’s not just mountains, but valleys too!  Life is like that.  Often in the valleys though, we wonder where God is.

 

Jesus and his disciples are on the mountainside.  Wonderful miracles are taking place.  More than five thousand people are fed and many healed.  However, Jesus now tells his disciples to get into their boat, and cross the lake.  The word used in the original language of the Bible is strong.  It says, Jesus compelled them to leave!

 

So the disciples are doing exactly what Jesus tells them, but as they row across the sea, the wind suddenly picks up.  Waves batter the boat.  Hour after hour they struggle.

 

Why was this happening?  Weren’t they following Jesus’ instructions?  It had been wonderful on the mountaintop.  It is easy to assume that we won’t face difficulties when we are doing what God wants.

 

Despite feeling abandoned, Jesus knew what was happening.  He saw the disciples straining to control the boat in the storm and he went to them.  

 

Jesus sees our situation too.  Be assured that he is in control, even though we may be in a valley or overwhelmed by a storm.  We may be doing exactly what he has asked us to do!  Trust him.  He knows what he is doing and he will come to us.