Mar 6:47-51  And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.  (48)  And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.  (49)  But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:  (50)  For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.  (51)  And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Life by default it seems is filled with troubles and distress.  Even as Christians – children of God, walking close to God we are still beset by challenges that threaten to weaken our faith.  Like the disciples in Mark 6 as they were out on the sea and faced with contrary winds, we today face contrary winds in our life.  The winds made the act of rowing difficult as they tried to make their destination, that it was described as toiling.  Simply try to live this life can be made so much the harder because of the contrary winds we face.  Winds of sickness, winds of financial challenges, winds of relationship problems, winds of temptations and spiritual challenges, face us each day, making living hard.

Are we hopeless?  Are we alone?  Is there no relief?

The disciples toiling in the contrary winds never escaped Jesus.  Our problems don’t escape Him either.  Jesus made His way to the disciples despite the sea that separated them.  We are never far from God where He will not be able to reach us.  Jesus brought calm and peace for the disciples and He will do the same for us.