“When evening came, he (Jesus) was there alone, but the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.”- Matthew 14:23b-24
“You cannot have a comeback without a setback.”- Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 18 of The Grave Robber by noting that Matthew chooses his words very carefully in describing the disciples’ plight on the Sea of Galilee: “beaten by the waves.” For the disciples, it was a losing battle.
Fighting adversity like a ministry downsizing or vocation loss can make us feel beaten by the waves of discouragement. Yet, Pastor Batterson stresses, often the prerequisite for the miraculous is a perfect storm- not the smooth sailing we’d prefer.
Although Peter frequently is remembered for his denial of Jesus, he is the only disciple who dared to get out of the boat. Mark adds that “water walkers would rather make mistakes than miss opportunities. They’d rather sink than sit.” However, it is imperative that we are sure Jesus is telling us to come. Mark concludes:
“There comes a moment when you need to take a radical step of faith. And that moment will define every moment that follows.”
Today’s question: How has your faith matured since your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Good eye, bad eye”
