Read John 6:16-21
Are you looking for a new peace?
There is an incredible miracle that was performed by Jesus, and which is captured in John chapter 6. This miracle involves the feeding of 5,000 people and demonstrates the heart that Jesus had for others. It also shows his intentionality in teaching his 12 disciples at this event.
Prior to Jesus performing this miracle, we read in Matthew 14 that his cousin, John the Baptist had been murdered. John the Baptist was also a friend and partner in ministry. After receiving this news, Jesus sought for a quiet place to be alone and pray. When he found this remote place, he encountered desperate people. Jesus had compassion on these people, and he healed many of their sicknesses.
Chose to find a new peace in obedience.
After Jesus had ministered to the people, his disciples informed him that these people were hungry. So, Jesus multiplied two fish and five barley loaves that were in the possession of a young boy. He engaged the disciples in the activity of feeding the people. We read that the people were satisfied, and that there were even enough leftovers to fill 12 baskets.
After this miracle had been performed, Jesus sent the crowd away. He asked the disciples to get into a boat and go across the sea to a place known as Capernaum. The disciples followed the instructions of Jesus. After they had traveled about halfway across this body of water, in the night, the disciples encountered a fierce storm.
In the storms of life, you will find peace in Jesus.
The disciples find themselves in a terrifying storm, and they fear for their lives. Jesus came to them walking on the water and said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” This was followed by Jesus joining the disciples in the boat. He calmed the wind and waves as he immediately transported them to the safety of their destination.
Everyone knows what it Is like feel alone and afraid.
John chapter 6 represents some important things, like the compassion of Jesus, and the disciples willingness to obey. It is also a demonstration of his power and provision to offer peace in the midst of the storm. In other words, given that challenges are common to all of us, we can say that this story resonates with each of us. Each of us knows what it means to feel alone, afraid and without hope. We can even experience that when we feel as though we are doing the right things. However, just as Jesus said to the disciples in the boat, “It is I; do not be afraid,” he offers to us the same opportunity for our peace in the midst of storms.
Expect times of confusion and look to Jesus for a new peace in the midst of each difficulty.
The journey through weight loss can be similar to the experience of the disciples in a boat on a stormy night. Jesus asked them to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea. He didn’t specifically inform them about why He was making this request. When they encountered the stormy conditions, they must have been confused. Why was this occurring when they had simply been obedient to what they had been asked to do? In addition to this, it’s likely that they felt abandoned in their struggle. They thought Jesus was far off and never expected that he would come to them on the water. So, all of this left them in a very vulnerable place. And it’s the place that can often be associated with the challenge of weight loss.
Jesus brings security and comfort by his presence.
It’s interesting that the Bible records only seven words from Jesus when he interacted with the disciples on the water. The words included an expression of security and comfort – “It is I; do not be afraid.” Of all that Jesus could have said or done in this situation, He chose the simplicity of these words. He also chose to climb into the boat with His disciples to reinforce His presence with them.
Jesus joins you in the boat and takes the journey with you so you will experience peace in him.
As you venture through the journey of weight loss, perhaps your experience can sometimes parallel this story from John chapter 6 in relation to you being called to do something that feels a bit foreign and confusing at times. And as you commit yourself to engaging, the struggle can sometimes become more challenging than you imagine. This can result in disillusionment and perhaps a corresponding loss of hope as you encounter the winds of change.
However, it is during these times that you need to be assured that you have an advocate – a protector and companion in Jesus. So, acknowledge Jesus is present in the midst of your storm with words of comfort and encouragement to say, “do not be afraid.” Jesus is close to you in the midst of your struggle. Then, remember that Jesus is for you, Jesus desires to calm your storm, and Jesus joins you in the boat and takes the journey with you as you move in the direction of your destination. The Genesis Health team also believes in you, is committed to you, and prays for your success.
Questions:
- How have you experienced the compassion and companionship of Jesus?
- Is your will aligned with Jesus in choosing obedience, even through the storms in your life?
- Are you trusting in the power and provision of Jesus in the midst of hardships?
- In moments of disillusionment, can you receive the peace that Jesus extends to you in the middle of your storm?
- Will you trade in fear and doubt for trust and hope, recognizing that Jesus joins you in your storm?
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