That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum.
John 6:16-17 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, my impatience is pretty obvious to me this morning. You know that one of my favorite lines is, “God can and God will.” These five words summarize what it means for me to trust in You, embodying the truth of faith (knowing that You can keep Your promises) and hope (waiting on the manifestation of Your promises).
Yet what these five words miss is the chasm that exists in that word “and.” In it is that undefined period between me hearing and believing the promise and it becoming a reality in my life; faith in knowing that You can and hope in holding on until You do. It is during that “lull” that my mind becomes active on the things I must do in the “meantime between time.” And in those moments it is when I will gather with other folks who will get in the boat with me and head out in the dark towards where I know and believe You want me to go. Without You.
Well, today I thank You that You don’t leave me out there in the dark by myself. As the waves beat against the sides, and the storms start to rage, You miraculously meet me in the boat, seeing me where I am, and calm the storms. And in the power of the Holy Spirit You get me where I need to be. And this You do time and time again!
So today, grant me patience to wait on You. Even as the darkness falls and it feels as if I won’t be able to get there in time, help me to remember those five words, “God can and God will.” Even if it doesn’t feel like enough time or resources, You have demonstrated that You can feed thousands with a few fish sandwiches (John 6:8-12) and You can get me to my destination, if need be, instantly (John 6:21). The call in this moment is to wait on You (Psalm 27:14). So, I shall wait. Amen.