~How Soon We Forget~

     "The disciples were astounded. They didn't understand what had happened with the loaves of bread. Instead, their minds were closed." -Mark 6:51-52

     The disciples had just witnessed Jesus do the unthinkable. It was altogether breathtaking and miraculous. They had just witnessed Him feed 5,000 hungry people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. They didn't just watch in awe, though. They were actually a part of the miracle in action. Mark says that Jesus "kept giving them to the disciples to give to the people." They were quite literally passing out and sharing the dynamic miracle that Jesus had performed. Even though they had been submerged in this amazing act, just hours later they were full of fear and worry as Jesus got into their boat and the wind stopped blowing. Jesus says they were astounded, they didn't understand, and that their minds were closed. 

     By this point, I was explicitly judging the disciples. How can one witness an unfathomable multiplication of food, then see the son of man calm a storm just by His presence and still be confused and have a closed mind? But in the middle of my questioning, I could almost feel God belly laugh. He spoke to my heart and helped me realize: How often do I do just that? How often might we all do it?  How often does Jesus allow us the opportunity to take part and witness a miracle or amazing work He is doing and we so soon forget, too?

     When we witness Him heal someone or change someone's soul- or when we see elements of His love pour out of people, conversations, and experiences- and maybe He even uses us as a vessel in the process- it's easy to praise Him in that moment- to fully credit the miracle or stirring in our hearts to Him. But how soon we forget the love He drenched us in, the truth He washed over us, the miracle He cascaded in front of us. When a storm comes, we forget. He tells us "Calm down! Don't be afraid!" as He told the disciples in Mark 6:50 when they were petrified of His presence. We, too, often become timid in His presence, lacking the faith in Jesus that is binding; so essential to survive in a storm. We forget the unmatchable work He has done; the gift of salvation He has given; the miracle of eternal life. Instead, our minds are closed and the wind and the waves get into the boat, forgetting to call on the savior whose speciality is chaos.

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 Let us ask Jesus to help us not forget. Let's ask Him to keep the miracles alive in our hearts. That way when a storm comes, our minds won't be closed and we won't be astonished or scared when our savior shows up. There are small miracles in each moment waiting to be noticed and participated in. Jesus is present in the small and the big. He is capable of so much more than our minds can even fathom. I want to be ready for that; waiting and expectant of that. I want to collect all of those miracles in my heart and when doubt, fear, anxiety, incompetence, complacency, or confusion come beating down the door of my heart- those lies won't stand a chance. I don't want to forget.