On Saturday, the longest container ship to port on the East Coast entered Charleston Harbor.
The 1,200 ft COSCO Development is a massive ship that transports products all over the globe. When it exits the Wando Port, this 141,823 ton ship will travel back to Asia through the Panama Canal.
The COSCO Development is an incredible ship that is the length of 2 Washington Monuments.
In the Gospel of Mark, something more remarkable than this incredible ship sailing into Charleston Harbor happens on the water in Galilee. As his disciples struggle to row against a heavy wind, Jesus Christ comes to their aid - but not in a boat. He comes to them walking on the surface of the water. Mark writes, "He came to them, walking on the sea."
It's a miracle. Jesus Christ walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee.
In this miracle he demonstrated his power over nature. He demonstrated to his disciples that he is in control and they have no need to fear.
This miracle reminds you of the power of God, but also the path of discipleship. The disciples were experiencing problems on the water due to their obedience to Jesus Christ. Obedience to Christ led to this obstacle.
Today, obedience to the Lord will not guarantee you a life of health and wealth. Obedience to God is not avoidance of pain. Rather, when you obey the Lord he will lead you through difficult experiences and circumstances; not to punish or harm you, but to train you and make you more like Jesus Christ.
This story is a reminder that following the Word of God leads to challenging circumstances; but it is in those circumstances where you will see the power and presence of God just as the disciples did in darkness on that early morning on the Sea of Galilee.
Secondly, this story reveals that the disciples were not alone to face the problems of life. Jesus Christ came to them and was with them. They had nothing to fear.
You will face problems in life. Problems and pain cannot be avoided. However, if you put your faith in Jesus Christ his Holy Spirit will be with you in the midst of those problems.
And like the disciples, you will have nothing to fear.