Rowing Hard, But Where Are You Going?

Sometimes we work hard. “Row, row, row your boat.” Right? But where does all that rowing get us? Well … that’s a good question. Consider Jesus’ disciples in today’s Scripture passage. They found out.

When evening came, his disciples went to the sea. They got into a boat and started to cross the sea to the city of Capernaum. By this time, it was dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. A strong wind started to blow and stir up the sea. After they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming near the boat, and they became terrified. Jesus told them, “It’s me. Don’t be afraid!” So they were willing to help Jesus into the boat. Immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were going. (Joh 6:16-21 GW)

It was dark. The wind was blowing. They rowed. Hard. And then it got worse. A squall was overtaking them. That was not all: Fear was overtaking them, too. They were seasoned fishermen, and they knew what a storm like that could mean.

Notice that they did what we often do: They rowed for miles and got nowhere. Their efforts were useless to overcome the situation they created for themselves. And then they saw someone walking on the water! Unexpected, this was. And like us, the terror of the unknown set in.

And then they heard Jesus’ voice. He was saying, “It’s me. Don’t be afraid!”

Have you been in that kind of place before? Sure, you have. We all have at one time or another in one way or another. We most often get there the same way they did: They set out on their own without Jesus. He did not tell them to go across the sea to Capernaum; that was their idea–just as it so often is for us.

So, yes, we have all been there. If you’re there, listen for the words the disciples heard: “It’s me. Don’t be afraid!” If you left Him out of the boat you’re in, you may have to look outside the boat to find Him, as they did.

It can be a lonely, fearful place out there in the sea, alone in the dark in a storm. If you are there, be mindful that even though you may feel alone, you are not–even if you got yourself into the situation without Jesus. He still knows. He still cares. He is still willing to hear you and help you just as He did for the disciples in today’s passage.

In one thing I would caution you, however: Do not use Jesus as your “plan B” exit strategy in case your plans do not work. That is not why He sacrificed His life for you. He may still rescue you; I am not saying He will not.

Ask yourself: Do I like feeling “used” by someone? Most of us will say we do not. And do you think Jesus is any different? Although His love for us is beyond our comprehension, He still does not like being “used“.

I can show you where He makes His feelings clear on this point. In Matt 7:21-23, He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (NIV)

In conclusion, are there going to be times when you make your best efforts and come up short? Of course, there will be. You likely have not experienced the last occurrence of it either because you have breath in your body.

The thing to watch out for is setting out in your boat of life without Him on a plan or ambition of your own making. Seldom will it end well. In such a situation You may see Him walking to you in the storm. If you do, consider it His grace expressed to you in love and not His obligation to fulfill your whims or ambitions.

And, FYI, the deeper and more intimate your relationship with Him, the more certain you can be of seeing Him regardless of circumstances.