It’s Dark Outside

By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. John 6:17b

Picture the scene: The disciples are rowing across the Sea of Galilee (it’s really big) at the command of Jesus. But Jesus isn’t there. A serious storm blows in–a serious enough storm to trouble seasoned fishermen. But Jesus isn’t there. And it’s dark–not just nighttime dark and not just storm dark–it’s nighttime dark AND storm dark. But Jesus isn’t there.

The disciples are right where Jesus told them to be, and yet they’re in serious trouble. Or at least they feel like they are. In their minds, Jesus couldn’t have been further away.

You ever feel like that? Have you ever felt like you were doing exactly what Jesus told you to do and yet it’s dark and stormy and Jesus is nowhere to be found? I have, and it’s terrifying. You think Did I miss God? or Maybe God has forgotten me? or Perhaps Satan has set me up. But none is true. You’re right where you’re supposed to be. Right in the middle of God’s will; it’s just hard.

It’s dark.

It’s always darkest right before Jesus shows up.

But you need to hear today that you’re not crazy. You’re not disobedient and you’re not out of God’s will. Jesus is coming, and when he does it will change everything.

Take a big, deep breath. Set your face firmly into the darkness. Somewhere out there is Jesus. And when he does show up, he’ll look like he’s taking a casual walk through the park. But he’ll be in the midst of your storm, in the midst of the darkness and right there with you.

You are not alone. Stay the course. He’s just a step away.