OFFSHORE

Just like going on a vacation hoping to experience bliss or walking into a restaurant ready to release your taste buds on a journey of lusciousness, it is in the nature of every man to expect and lean towards the desirable side of life. If this were not so, then there would be no melancholic moments in our lives. Thus, disappointments occur only as a result of failed expectations or unmet desires. Speaking about disappointments, there would be no truth in us if we said that we have never had moments or seasons of dissatisfaction even as a believer.

The book of Luke, chapter 5, begins by presenting us Jesus by the lake of Gennesaret with a crowd around him, pushing in on him to hear the Word. Amidst what I imagine to be a rowdy environment, Jesus notices two boats tied up and decides to hop on one and then asks that the boat be moved offshore (verse 3). Once Jesus was done sharing the word with the crowd, he instructed Peter to go to the deep, launching his net to catch fish.

As safe as it might seem, it is a known fact that boats are not built to remain onshore. Its glory (sturdy, graceful, and rugged features) are better appreciated on choppy waters. We have been created wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14 NLT) to manifest the glory of God and not to remain in the zone of comfort. Even Jesus went through choppy waters before He was glorified with the Father.

These features are better enhanced with The Word activated in us. The moment we permit The Word into our lives, you shouldn’t expect to be on shore anymore. Like Peter, you would be moved offshore for a moment, and once His word marinates, you are launched into deeper waters where your nets would be let down. Our nets could be insecurity issues, low self-esteem, trauma from the past, anger, bitterness, or vain things that fill up the void temporarily and leave us empty and searching again. In exchange for these, we receive the abundance of His grace.

Mark 4:35-41- As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (NLT)

Our offshore moments are sometimes met with turbulent storms beating into our boats, and this reveals the level of trust we have in God. The disciples, being in the same boat with Jesus, faced a storm that threatened not just their lives but everything they had witnessed Christ do, and to crown it all, He was asleep.

“You said you would never leave me, but why do I feel alone?”

“You said you would hold my hands, but I can feel myself drowning.”

“Come unto me, and I would give you rest, but all I feel is pain and the burdens that seem to become my normal.”

“Follow me, and I would make you… but I am not sure who I am anymore.”

These are relatable questions that the disciples probably had in the heat of the moment. Relatable because we probably have these same questions running through our minds in similar situations. I would love to remind us that Jesus isn’t one to opt in and out of our boats. Once we let Him in, He stays, even though it may not seem like it in certain situations.

In this situation, Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke peace. Peace came, but they were still on the sea. This reveals to us that peace is not necessarily the absence of problems or certain situations, but peace comes from the revelation of who you let into your boat before you left the shores of your familiar.

In certain stormy phases, the word of God, quick and powerful, is able to still the storm. However, in other cases God takes us through a new route of walking on water, strengthening our faith, increasing our tenacity, and unveiling new dimensions of Himself to us. Regardless of whatever route He chooses to take us through, He is right there, either rebuking the wind or holding your hand just in case you start to drown. To let Jesus in is to accept the adventures that come with Him.

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    Praise Adereti

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    2 Comments
    1. P says:

      Jesus isn’t the one to opt in and out of my boat.
      When I let him in , he stays.
      Thank you Jesus ❤️

    2. D says:

      Just watched the newest couch conversation and I was truly blown away

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