Sunday, March 31, 2019

Come Follow Me: March 25-31

Mark Chapter 6:
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.
Matthew Chapter 14:
22 ¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

This time I noticed that Jesus had asked his apostles to get into the ship and sail to Bethsaida.  The apostles were obedient to what Jesus asked them to do, but still found themselves in the midst of strong winds and waves.   There are the general commandments that everyone is supposed to be obedient to, but the Holy Ghost prompts us to do specific things in our lives.  We are counseled to continue to seek the Holy Ghost as our constant guide to direct us.  But just like the apostles, we need to be aware that just because we felt prompted doesn't mean that there won't be wind and waves.  The opposition will still be present.  

I have felt like I have been in my little boat--sometimes alone, sometimes with my family--and I have felt the "toiling in rowing" and that "the wind was contrary unto them" and the feeling of being "tossed in waves".   I appreciate what the apostles went through because there have been many times when I literally felt like I was rowing against the wind and waves, and felt so exhausted, even considering giving up.  But I love that in Mark 6:28 it says that "He saw them toiling".  When the apostles were out in the sea in the middle of the night, I can imagine that it was extremely dark and can't see much around them.  But Christ could still see them.  He was watching, he was aware, he knew.  So when you feel surrounded with darkness, toiling in moving forward or tossed in waves of life, hang on and remember that Christ is watching, and he is also walking towards you--even walking on water. 
San Diego Temple