Fishermen know the sea, but they also know they sky. They understand that knowing the color of the horizon, the types of clouds present, the movement, the smell, and the feel and velocity of the breeze can determine life or death. A wrong move can put you into shipwreck.
If it's dark, clouds are mounting, and the water seems rigid... it may not be a great decision to go out on the lake for the afternoon!
How many times I have looked for the will of God to place my boat on easily manuevered waters. How many times I have heard some say, "that simply is not the will of God, what is he thinking?", in other words, "it's so obvious that he is heading for shipwreck - can't he SEE THE SKY!!"
Mark 6:45
"And straightway he CONSTRAINED His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side..."
The all-knowing God pressured sky-knowing men to get into a ship on a not-so-good, very bad day.
This is a process to which every called minister of God must submit. It is the process of understanding that the will of God is often done in the midst of obvious circumstances which are bent toward the not-so-favorable and absolutely uncomfortable and generally fearful!
But it will cause you to call on God.
But it will put your feet on the waves of the miraculous.
But it will give you a new dimension of the Revelation of God.
But it will show you the power of a promise.
But it will show you God's ability to resign your fears.
But it will prepare you for the "Legion"-level of God you meet on the other side.
Abraham was in the will of God... and he was on his way to sacrifice his son.
Paul was in the will of God...shipwrecked and viper-bitten.
If it doesn't require faith, it generally doesn't require God. If it doesn't require God, you should questions whether it is the will of God!
On the way to the will of God, we often end up in storms beyond our control. It is in this position that GOD becomes the center of everything. It becomes all about HIM. Jesus knew there was a storm brewing. I believe the disciples has some inclination. Jesus constrains them to get on the boat...puts them into the place of fear, pain, and powerlessness - so HE can walk on the water and invite them into a new dimension!
God is interested in the process of His will. It is not an easy one - but it does unleash a new level of intimacy and trust with the Almighty.
There was never a person in the Word or in History that experienced the power and the raw might of the Lord without first being constrained to get in a ship with a storm brewing in the heavens.
In my recent step of faith in ministry I realized...
The multitude of comfortable opportunities were places without faith and called for the arm of flesh alone.
Then one called that many said, "Bro. you had best look at the sky cause that looks like a rough sea in the making, and God may not be in it."
I have found that he generally is... in the rough sea and in the storm. He has to be... or I die.
Never refuse to step out in faith. It is the hardest thing to do... but the most pleasing to God.
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