In my morning quiet time, I read Mark 8:14-21. The disciples were in a boat with Jesus, crossing the Sea of Galilee, when they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread to eat.
Immediately, I thought, “Seriously? Y'all were first-hand witnesses to Jesus’ miraculous healings. You watched Him multiply five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the 5000, and ya'll had to pick up the baskets of leftovers! In the midst of a storm, when you were struggling to control the boat and stay afloat, Jesus walked on out to y’all - on the raging sea - and when He got in the boat, the winds ceased immediately and y’all were ‘utterly astonished!’ Then you were present for more healings, both physical and spiritual. And just before y’all got in the boat, Jesus had fed another 4000 with seven loaves, with even more leftovers! And yet, here y’all are…grumbling because you are hungry!”
I murmured aloud, “How could y’all have forgotten all Jesus has done? Did you even think to ask Him to provide something to eat?”
No sooner than the words left my mouth, my spirit quickened. I realized I am just like the disciples. When I find myself in a hard situation and desperately hungry for a quick resolution, I forget He is in the boat with me. I fail to remember the multitude of times the Lord has provided for me, abundantly.
I fail to ask for His help.
A few verses later, Jesus asks them the very same thing.
And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:17-18, ESV)
And I hear Him whisper to me, “Sharon, do you not remember all I have done for you?”
So, as I continue my journey reading through the book of Mark, I will extend grace to the disciples, because I am in the same boat as them. I, too, am slow to perceive and understand. My heart is led by selfish motives. I fail to see and often don’t listen.
But I will choose to remember all He has done for me.
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