March 30, 2025

THE WAYMAKER: WHEN LIFE IS OUT OF CONTROL

John 6:16-17, “That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum.” (NLT)

They leave Jesus behind. Why? Because Jesus TOLD THEM to go (Mark 6:45).

John 6:18, “Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.” (NLT)

The worst thing that can happen when the chaotic waters of our life are stirred is to look around and feel like Jesus is absent. Have you ever felt that way? I have. Jesus, where are you?

This is a time when life got out of control in an area that these fishermen were USED to being in control.

John 6:19a, “[The disciples] had rowed three or four miles…” (NLT)

They were doing everything they could. Mark’s gospel tells us that even with all of their rowing, they were stuck in the middle of the sea. They had to be exhausted.

John 6:19b, “when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified.” (NLT)

One minute they are afraid of the storm… terrified that this might finally be the end. And the next moment they’re afraid of the sudden, unexpected presence of Jesus.

John 6:20, “[Jesus] called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” (NLT)

This can be literally translated: “I am. Be not afraid.”

John 6:21, “Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!” (NLT)

Mark 6:51, “Then [Jesus] climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed.”

When life gets out of control, we do one of two things.

1. We try to regain control and work and strive and empty the buckets.

2. We give up. We try to escape and pretend that the problem isn’t there.

Even though life is out of control, God is still in control.