45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. 46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

47 When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land.48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, 49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; 52 for they hadn’t understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:45-52 - World English Bible

Where is Jesus when we need him the most? And, when he does arrive, why does he take us by surprise? We ask those questions maybe, just maybe, because our hearts have so calcified that we don't like to step out of our comfort zones.

The gospel began when Jesus sent his disciples ahead, so he could spent intimate time with his Father (represented by prayer on the mountain). Without the Master, they sailed across the lake, but were suddenly caught up in fierce wind storm (such storms were not unusual on the Sea of Galilee). And, without the Master, they feared for their lives. Then, Jesus arrived, walking on water, calling out to them, "Cheer up! I AM." Like the name God gave himself to Moses, Christ identified himself as divine, not as pure being like the philosophers, but as "I AM (fill-in the blank)." I AM the one saving you. I AM the one to leads you. I AM the one who cares for you. I AM...

Mark liked to comment on the disciples lack of understanding. Even when they witnessed to great miracles, they still didn't get it. Instead of deepening their faith, they just seemed to be along for the experience.

Is our faith journey like that of the disciples in Mark's gospel? Do we call out when Jesus seems distant, but fail to see his miracles when he is close?

Take some time today to see God working even small miracles in your life.