Our heart affects our understanding. This becomes more evident as we journey through life. Nothing affects our life more than how we respond to the call of Jesus in our life. Some may respond as young people, others later in life, and others not at all.
All of us are a work in progress as the Lord calls us into deeper water. As we respond to the Lord’s call into more profound things, it stretches us and forces us to rely more on the Lord and less on ourselves. New callings or experiences with the Lord often challenge our faith walk. Will we continue to follow? Will we continue to be teachable and moldable? As you journey through life, let the Holy Spirit lead your heart.
The Disciples’ Hearts were too Hard to Take It In
The disciples had seen Jesus feed 5000 men plus women and children with two fish and five barley loaves. This act stretched their faith because they still did not fully understand Jesus was Messiah. As they struggled in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus stretched their faith as He came to them walking on water.
Mark 6:48bJesus intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 , for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.[1]
The Lord Calls Us into Deeper Things
Why were the disciples’ hearts too hard to take in what Jesus did when He fed the 5000? Perhaps they could not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Or maybe they thought if this was Messiah, how could He pick such ordinary people like them? We are often like the disciples because we can also harden our hearts for what Jesus wants to do in our lives. We can also find it hard to believe the Lord has chosen us to be His followers. The good news is Jesus is calling you into more profound things in your life!
Yes, you are worthy of being a follower of Jesus because of what Jesus did for you on the cross at Calvary. He died for your sins and my sins. Philippians 4:18I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. [2] Take a step of faith and let the Lord open your heart to see the deeper things He has for you.
To hear how our heart affects our understanding, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-walking-on-water
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 6:48–52). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 1:18). Tyndale House Publishers.