The disciples and Jesus were tired. So they decide to get away from the crowds to pray and rejuvenate. But the people soon discover where they are and once again crowds follow. Jesus has compassion and ministers to the people. But His disciples, probably a little bit annoyed, encourages Jesus to send them away for food. But Jesus directs the disciples, “No, you feed them.” I know you are tired and annoyed but feed my sheep.
The disciples gather a few fish and loaves of bread, Jesus blesses what’s in their hand and the disciples feed thousands. What the disciples did not understand was that the bread multiplied at their hands.
But to help them with this point, Jesus gives them a test. He commands them to go into a storm. Why? Jesus wanted them to know they had authority over the storm. The disciples had taken Jesus’ class, “Storm Calming 101” and now it was time to demonstrate knowledge. Jesus sees their struggle and was planning to walk right by them. He was not deserting them in the storm but wanting them to know, they had authority in the storm. Just as the bread multiplied at their hands the storm could be calmed at their command.
Has God given you a task and along the way a need arose or a storm began? God has not abandoned you. He has not reneged on his promises. But He has given you authority to multiply bread and calm your storm! If He has led you into this battle, He has equipped and anointed you for victory!! Speak to your storm. Feed those around you. You are equipped. You are anointed. Be who you are!
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, (Mark 6:45, 47-48 NIV)