Sometimes life’s circumstances feel overwhelming and stormy. Perhaps you feel like you are in unchartered seas, alone, about to go under. Paul reminds us of this truth:
Romans 15:
4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

So let’s examine a record in scripture from Mark 6:
44And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
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.

Notice several things
The disciples were exactly where Jesus had directed them-vs 45,47
Jesus saw their toiling-vs.48
Jesus did not come directly to them, vs48-He is always a gentleman, never forces Himself on you
The disciples did not recognize Him –vs 49-50 (How often are you not expecting Him or
expecting Him to help in some other way?)
Jesus’ immediate response was assurance and correction of the problem-vs.50
The disciples did not appreciate the miracle of feeding the 5,000 when they were in trouble-vs 52
To the fact of the strong wind John adds this information in John 6:
16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

So it is dark. Jesus was not come to them. The sea arose because of the wind. It wasn’t just physical exhaustion but also what they see and hear. How many times in the storms of life are you physically exhausted because of what you see and hear?

Questions for reflection
1) What do you learn from this record?
2) What comfort does the record give you?
3) What is your hope?
4) What about your current circumstances seems like the wind, contrary to you?
5) Why do you suppose it is sometimes difficult to recognize Jesus in the midst of life’s storms?
6) What has Jesus done for you that need to remember when you are in life’s storm?

The Haven of Rest – Henry L. Gilmour, 1890

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, So burdened with sin and distressed.
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice”; Then, I entered the ‘Haven of Rest’!

Chorus:
I’ve anchored my soul in the ‘Haven of Rest, I’ll sail the wide seas no more.
The tempest may sweep o’er wild, stormy, deep; But in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

II.
I yielded myself to His tender embrace, In faith, taking hold of the Word.
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul. The ‘Haven of Rest’ is my Lord.

III.
The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, Has been the old story so blest.
Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have A home in the ‘Haven of Rest’.

IV.
How precious the thought that we all may recline, Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm; Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”

V.
O come to the Savior, He patiently waits To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,” And say, “My Belovèd is mine.”

West Creek Harmony – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfXqexNvQzo

Haven of rest Quartet -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUGTGUe478o

Hebrews 12:
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let’s run with patience the race He has set before us, looking unto Jesus,
Coach Patti