August 5

After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray. He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, — Mark 6:46,48 BSB

Jesus didn’t come immediately; it was almost morning by the time He appeared, and the disciples had been struggling in the storm all night. Yet, even though He didn’t come right away, He was not indifferent to their suffering. From the mountainside where He was praying, He kept His eye on them. “He saw that they were in serious trouble.” All that dark night, He watched over the little boat carrying His disciples through the waves.

This image is deeply meaningful. The boat in the storm is a picture of Christ’s followers enduring the storms of life. Sometimes we may feel forgotten, but Christ’s eye is always on us from His place in glory. He sees us struggling, battling against the waves, beaten down, and distressed. He is fully aware of our difficulties and has sympathy for us in every struggle. This should give us great strength and comfort. Jesus is interceding for us in our times of distress!

It may not always be best for Him to deliver us immediately, but He prays that our faith will not fail during the struggle. Knowing this should encourage us.

And remember, He always comes in time. He may delay, but it’s never too long. When we call upon Him in our troubles, we can trust that He hears us, sees us, knows exactly how hard it is for us to endure, and will come at just the right time to deliver us!