Straining At The Oars Against The Wind

"Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits." - Mark 6:6-7

The disciples were with Jesus but when He sent them out, He had to give them authority to do spiritual things. Spiritual power is gained by association. You cannot go to church - watch enough sermons - even read the Bible often enough to do what God calls you to do - has purposed you to do. 

"And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." - Mark 6:11

Just because you have the spiritual power does not mean the world will embrace you. In fact, most of the world will not. 

"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them." - Mark 6:48

When I was in Army flight school, I used to go fishing early on Saturday mornings for a few hours. Stress relief. There was a pond - a rather large pond that I would fish on. I used a small john boat with a trolling motor to fish out of. On one particular day I was fishing with Martie.  As we turned the boat back toward the car, a strong wind picked up.  It was blowing in the opposite direction of the place we wanted to go to. Hard as I paddled with the trolling motor set on high, the boat was pushed back on the opposite shore. I had to yield to the wind. The boat belonged to the people who owned the pond, so we abandoned the boat and walked back around the shoreline through brambles. Martie helping me carry the fishing gear and me carrying the car battery and motor. Life is like that. The winds of life are very often against you. You don't have enough strength to overcome the force of the wind. 

You are faced with a choice. Surrender to the wind or surrender to the Lord. 

"Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [to all of us]: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

We all need to stop straining in our own power - surrender to the Lord.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone