Today’s Reading: Luke 6:16-21

That evening Jesus’ disciples went 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. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. — John 6:16-19a

Stop. Did you catch that? Notice that Jesus did not calm the storm after the disciples had rowed one mile. He did not settle the waves after the second mile. Three miles of rowing and the sea was still churning. Mark’s estimate is that they had rowed somewhere between three to four miles before Jesus made His presence known to them. The disciples had plenty of time to panic — plenty of time to do their best with the raging circumstances around them.

They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination. — John 6:19b-21

This is another great miracle of timing! The moment Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm calmed. Not when he called out to them with the assurance of his presence, but when they “let him” in the boat, the winds and waves relaxed. When they allowed Jesus to step into their situation, they immediately found themselves where they had been trying to go.

THE TIMING OF JESUS’ ACTION WAS BEAUTIFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED AND THE FAITH OF THE DISCIPLES WAS STRENGTHENED.

What is your story of God’s perfect timing in your life – timing that confirmed God was at work rather than a simple coincidence? Perhaps you are in the midst of the storm right now, rowing until God chooses to calm the waves and winds. My friend, know that God has not abandoned you during the storm; He is with you. I pray He gives you the strength to keep rowing and that your faith continues to grow during this storm you are experiencing.

The disciples were never alone, Jesus had not abandoned them in the storm. He was there all the time, waiting for the perfect moment to say, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”

My prayer for you this year is that you will hear Jesus speak to you over and over again. Perhaps the last 12 months have been marked with uncertainty and loss. As you close the book of 2022 and turn the page to a new chapter, I pray you see Jesus walking on the water. Perhaps your present struggle can be described as a long arduous journey. I pray this morning that you will know without a doubt that God is with you and that you can trust in His perfect timing. Remember, God is never late and He is never early – He is always on time! He has a purpose and we need to wait patiently as He accomplishes His kingdom work.

The disciples began to worship Jesus when He stepped into the boat and the storm calmed. Let’s choose to worship Him while still rowing through the storm, grateful for how far He has brought us and praising Him in confidence for what He is going to do. Let’s recognize His presence in the midst of the waves and wind.

You rule the oceans.
You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
You crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours;
everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
You created north and south.
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name.
Powerful is your arm!
Strong is your hand!
Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
It pleases you to make us strong.
Yes, our protection comes from the Lord,
and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. – Psalm 89:9-18

Do you have a story of God’s timing you would like to share with the rest of us? You can do so by visiting the Facebook page My Morning Coffee. Look for today’s blog post after 5am cst, and comment on how God has been ON TIME in your life or how you are currently waiting for God’s perfect timing.
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