whymiracleshappen11

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 Jesusâ€™ 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.