Matthew 14:22 “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.”
About five thousand people had followed the Lord “into a desert place” and He “was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick” and He “took” “five loaves, and … two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.” (Matthew 14:13-20). After seeing these miracles, His “disciples” were well fortified in their faith. So, when “Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side”, they summarily obeyed Him. But, they had no idea what was about to happen, how their faith was going to be tested. A key point here is that both the “disciples” and the Lord were going “unto the other side” of the sea. It is early in the morning, I have plans for today, but I do not know what peril may lay before me; but, this I do know, “all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen” (II Corinthians 1:20); and He has promised “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)! So, as I sit here in the safety and comfort of my home, I’m well content in my faith. But, will I remember and feel so secure when faced with the most severe “tribulations” in this life, will I remember that our Lord promised that “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)?!