“They willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going” (John 6:21).
Two things happen at once when Jesus stepped on board the disciples’ boat: 1) the storm ceased, and 2) the boat landed at the shore to which the disciples were headed.
There is a very important message for all of us in this story. The Lake of Galilee is six to eight miles across. Having been born and reared in this area, no doubt the disciples were in familiar territory. They had set out from the eastern side of the lake at about 6 p.m., intending to cross over to the western shore.
As they made the crossing, suddenly a storm came up and their passage became extremely difficult. They rowed until 3 a.m. and had only been able to cover three or four miles. That is when they saw Jesus coming toward them, walking on the water.
After six to nine hours of exhaustive toil, they were only halfway across the lake. In the midst of the storm, in the middle of the lake, Jesus stepped on board their ship. When His feet touched the deck, immediately the storm was calmed and the boat landed on the other shore.
This may be a picture of your life right now. It may seem that you have been rowing forever, and yet are still far from shore. In the midst of your storms and toil, invite Jesus to come aboard. He will still the storm and get you to your destination far quicker than you could ever imagine!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.