Why Miracles Happen?
Lesson Eleven: by turtle

Mark 6:45-56 KJV
(45)  And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other
side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
(46)  And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
(47)  And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
(48)  And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the
fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed
by them.
(49)  But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and
cried out:
(50)  For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith
unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
(51)  And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed
in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
(52)  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
(53)  And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the
shore.
(54)  And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
(55)  And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those
that were sick, where they heard he was.
(56)  And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the
streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as
many as touched him were made whole.

Today 's study starts where we left off last week, of Christ having the disciples to get in the ship
to go across the sea. Christ going off to pray alone. Christ then looks across the sea and sees
his disciples struggling against the wind. To go out to sea and row against waves and wind was
no easy accomplishment n those days no matter the size ship. Often our struggles in life are
just like rowing against the wind and the waves. We are constantly struggling to move forward
but there are things in our life that will not allow us to. It is like have a collar or a yoke of
bondage around us.  Our bondage can be as simple as our own fears and our own thoughts.
The one thing that caught the disciples off guard as when they see a figure moving across the
water. Their own imagination began to run wild. How true it is for our own imagination to get
the best of us from time to time. They way in which to over come this is to look to Jesus.

When the disciples saw the figure on the water they were deeply troubled by the event, because
they thought it was a spirit. Jesus spoke and told them not to be afraid  Jesus then climb on
board the ship. How often when we are afraid we find all we have to do is trust in Jesus. It
sounds simple, but put in practical everyday experience it is not always. We often start with a
problem like the wind upon the sea the disciples struggled with. It may be as simple as broke
finger nail to a major problem in our life. Often we will start rowing against the wave or
problem in our life and find ourselves struggling beyond the norm. Then we get a glimpse of
our Savior. Of our Rescuer. And then become a bit frighten because we realize we have not
looked to him for the solution. We had been floundering along, but notice where Christ is. He
had been praying, He had seen the struggle. The interworking of the Holy Spirit is like that. He
intercedes in our behalf when we have accept Jesus into our hearts.

Romans 8:26-28 KJV
(26)  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for
as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered.
(27)  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he
maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
(28)  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose.

God is not going to let nothing happen that is not in His plan for our life. He is not going to
allow us to be destroyed as long as we trust in Him. Paul the apostle went trhough many
storms during his ministry. He was stoned many times and beaten. Yet he was able to press on
for Jesus. Did you every wonder why He was able. That thought occurred to me yesterday,
when I was thinking about my own trials. How come I am able to press on. It surely is not in
my own strength. It is in the strength of the Lord. We must through trials get our focus on the
Master and not on the waves. When we allow Jesus to come aboard the problem like he came
aboard the ship, he calms the sea. Not only calms the sea but we find ourselves in utter awe of
what God can do. No doubt Paul in his struggle of being beaten and stoned could claim the
miracle of surviving what many died from, all because Jesus held Him in the palm of his hand.

I know for myself to be held in Jesus’ hands, means to allow him to be in charge of the
situation no matter how bad the waves get. Yet it is much harder to put this into practice. The
Devil likes to deceive us through our imagination and our thoughts. Trying to confuse us to
not trust in Jesus.

This miracle of calming of the waves after Jesus enters the ship is a good illustration of How
we as Christians need to trust in Jesus in the mist of rough seas. Also demonstrates Jesus
power over nature and the things around us. Miracles often illustrate things in our own life.
My wreck taught me that I must trust Jesus to carry me through life hardships, but when that
big trial came I was able to stand the test. To keep our eyes focus and fixed on Jesus. Sooner
or later our faith will be tested. Is it lacking or are we looking unto Jesus to help us through
and calm the storm.

What amazes me more the disciples had just had a prior miracle of the feeding the five
thousand, but this trial at sea had tested their strength. Miracles taking place to strength us for
trials in our life. Wow what a concept. To think God does more then one miracle, but we stand
in utter amazement of what God can do in the end.