Portraits In The Storm: What the Disciples Learned When Jesus Walked on Water (Mark 6:45-54 KJV)
“Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”* (Mark 6:50)
In these last days, the winds of cultural decay, family breakdown, and spiritual compromise are blowing hard against everything we hold dear as Bible-believing Christians. Many faithful saints feel like they are rowing with all their might yet making no headway. The storms come whether we deserve them or not.
The good news? Our Lord Jesus Christ is still the sovereign Master of every storm. The literal, historical account in Mark 6:45-54 (from the preserved, infallible King James Bible) gives us three powerful **portraits in the storm** that speak directly to every fundamentalist Christian today.
The Scripture Account (Mark 6:45-54 KJV)
“And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 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. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 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. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him.”
Portrait #1: The Burdened – Toiling in Rowing
Jesus *constrained* the disciples to launch out in obedience right after the miracle of feeding the 5,000. They were exactly where the Master sent them—yet the contrary wind arose and they found themselves “toiling in rowing” in the blackest hours of the night.
Fundamentalist brother or sister, hear this truth loud and clear: Obedience to God does **not** guarantee calm seas. When you stand unashamedly for the King James Bible, raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, reject worldly music and entertainment, and separate from compromising churches and movements—the wind will blow straight against you.
But lift your eyes! While the disciples struggled, Jesus was on the mountain praying, and “he saw them toiling.” He sees your late-night prayers, your financial battles, your stand for truth when others cave in. You are not alone in the storm.
Portrait #2: The Bride – The Church Sent Into the Storm
The little ship with the twelve men is a clear picture of the true Church—the Bride of Christ—sent out into this present evil world. The sea represents the age we live in; the wind and waves are Satan’s attacks, cultural pressure, government tyranny, and the spirit of Laodicean compromise trying to sink every Bible-believing congregation.
Yet in the fourth watch—when all hope seemed gone—Jesus came **walking upon the sea**. He spoke those immortal words: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” “It is I” is the very name Jehovah—the great I AM in human flesh treading the waves as easily as you walk across the floor.
When Jesus steps into the boat, the wind ceases instantly. One glorious day soon the Bridegroom will return, step into our boat forever, and the winds of this age will die down completely. Until then, keep rowing in faithful obedience and separation while fixing your eyes on Him.
Portrait #3: The Blind – Hearts That Had Hardened
The most sobering part of the story: even after seeing the loaves multiplied and countless other miracles, “they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.” They didn’t recognize their own Lord and thought He was a ghost!
This is a solemn warning for every sound fundamentalist church and every separated believer today. It is possible to be doctrinally correct, defend the KJV, preach separation, and still develop a cold, hardened heart that no longer recognizes Jesus when He comes walking in our trials.
The cure is simple but costly: **Remember**. Remember the “miracles of the loaves” God has already done in your life and in your church. Meditate daily on the old Book. Return to fervent prayer. Keep your heart tender before the Lord.
Practical Steps for Your Own Storm Today
1. Keep rowing in obedience—even when progress feels impossible.
2. Listen for the voice of Jesus above the howling wind: “It is I.”
3. Recall God’s past faithfulness to soften your heart.
4. Invite Jesus fully into your boat and watch the wind cease.
The Shore Is Coming
Every storm has an ending for the child of God. The disciples finally reached Gennesaret, stepped out of the boat, and “straightway they knew him.” What a day that will be when we reach the other shore and see our Saviour face to face!
If you are battling a storm right now—doubt, family trouble, persecution, financial pressure, or a cold heart—hear the Saviour’s voice: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”
Will you invite Him into your boat today?
If you have never been born again, repent of your sins and trust the blood of the Lamb who still walks on water. He can save you for all eternity.
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, great I AM who walks upon the sea, speak peace to every burdened heart reading these words. Soften hardened hearts. Encourage the weary. Stir Your Bride to watch for Your soon return. Calm the storms in our homes, churches, and nation. Be glorified. In Your mighty name, Amen.
If this encouraged you, please share it with other saints who may be rowing against the wind. Leave a comment: Which portrait speaks most to your situation right now?
Standing firm on the old paths and the old Book,
A Fellow Servant in Christ
Comments