“But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” – Mark 6:49-52 NASB1995

The disciples just saw Jesus feeding thousands. Jesus sends them on ahead of him in the boat while he sent the masses away and went up on the mountain to pray. Coming to them walking on the water, we are told how astonished they were to see him. Then it says of them “they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves.” Why? Because their heart was hardened. They were seeing God incarnate doing mighty things that only God can do, but were refusing to realize the power they were walking beside.

Children of God, we often do the same when we see God meet our needs in ways that amaze our heart and make us know it is him acting on our behalf. Then the next challenge comes and our hardened heart panics without realization that God is still on the side of those who are His and still provides for our needs.

A heart that trusts God remembers the things he has already done for us, and with the hope revealed in our experience, faces the next challenge with a greater peace that understands that God is faithful. He, who has looked after us before, will look after us now.

A heart of trust knows there is nothing too great for God, there is no need beyond his reach. Trust in the Lord, even now, when fear attacks our thinking, and do the good that faith produces.