“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 6:51–52 (NASB)

The setting

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at various events for police and first responders. Many of these gatherings are Christian venues where I can boldly share spiritual truths connected to our profession as first responders. But even when the event is in a secular setting, my goal is always the same: to weave my faith in Jesus into the event and give an account for the hope that is in me. I trust God with each opportunity and acknowledge that I must rely on Him for the details and the power.

This approach has given me a front-row seat to watch the Lord work in ways I could never orchestrate on my own. It’s incredibly humbling to see how our great and awesome God invites us to participate in His work. Yet, I have noticed a pattern. Nearly every time, in the days or weeks that follow these ministry moments, I face a battle with unbelief. God will do something powerful and allow me to participate, and then suddenly discouragement, doubts, and unbelief rush in. Sometimes those emotions feel just as strong as the joy I experienced only hours earlier.

Taking it a step further, frustrating circumstances often accompany these moments of doubt and discouragement. It’s no coincidence. The Enemy wants nothing more than to rob us of joy and shift our focus from God to ourselves. Self-pity, perfectionism, and other various struggles compete for center stage within my mind. I have spoken to many others about this and recognize I am not alone. 

Miracles and Unbelief

Toward the end of Mark 6, the disciples are struggling to row across the Sea of Galilee against strong winds, likely encountered only because Jesus Himself had commanded them to go (which is another great lesson). During this time, Jesus stayed behind to finish ministering to the crowd He had just fed by miraculously multiplying five loaves and two fish. Jesus then went up the mountain to pray. I can’t help but think that part of His prayer was specifically for His disciples, and it is key to remember He intercedes for each of us in the same way. So amazing that the Savior of the world prays for you and for me!

But despite these profound truths, circumstances and emotions often drive us to a different perspective. In Mark’s account, Jesus sees the disciples straining at the oars and walks out to them on the water. The Bible also tells us He intended to “pass by” them. He isn’t anxious or alarmed. He knows all and sees all. He is God. He loves His followers and never abandons them. Yet when the disciples see Jesus, they are terrified. Rather than faith, fear grips them. Even after Jesus gets into the boat, calms the storm, and brings immediate peace, unbelief still lingers.

From other Gospel accounts, we know this is the same moment when Peter steps out onto the waves, unleashing a personal battle of faith and doubt that mirrors the battles many of us have faced. As Jesus displays His miraculous power of walking on water, empowering Peter to do the same, rescuing him in fear, and calming the sea in seconds, the overarching reactive theme is not faith, but unbelief and hardened hearts.

Astonishing unbelief. 

Hardened Hearts and Spiritual Blinders

Within hours, the disciples had witnessed and participated in significant miraculous works by Jesus. More than 5,000 people were satisfied with a few loaves and fish. Jesus walked on water, allowed Peter to do the same, rescued Peter as he sank, and instantaneously calmed a violent storm. Yet, the disciples still struggled to believe. It is easy to shake my head and imagine that I would have responded differently. But I know me. I quickly recall how often I’ve seen God powerfully work, and in the next moment, I battle unbelief. Even with the Holy Spirit in me, I can instantly put on spiritual blinders and miss the truth right in front of me.

Why is this?

Circumstances are powerful. Emotions are powerful, and the battle is real. Scripture describes this reality not just as a battle but more like a war (Romans 7). Galatians 5 tells us, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another…” This war is constant, and as I regularly tell Believers, it can be absolutely exhausting. When storms feel endless, and emotions perpetuate the belief that feelings supersede truth, my heart can easily harden in unbelief.

Recognizing Predictable Patterns and Combating Lies

For me, God helps me gain perspective by identifying specific things that contribute to unbelief. As mentioned earlier, I’ve noticed there’s a predictable pattern. These attacks often follow meaningful times of ministry. After a Bible study, an inspiring event, or a refreshing retreat, these are the moments when some of the greatest battles present themselves. The Enemy attacks what God advances. Being aware of this doesn’t eliminate the struggle, but it prepares me to recognize it quicker and resist it more effectively. If unbelief thrives on distorting emotions and circumstances, then our primary weapon against it is truth. Not some vague or secular truth, but specific spiritual truth applied intentionally:

· Remembering specifically what God has done.

· Reading Scripture.

· Reciting God’s promises and thanking Him for each one.

· Recalling and sharing with others what God has done.

Another interesting note is that Jesus didn’t focus on reprimanding the disciples for their unbelief; He came to them. He calmed both the storm and their fears. He does the same with us. We don’t put our heads in the sand and pretend storms don’t exist, but rather, we remember who is present with us through them. The disciples were astonished because they did not understand the many miracles they witnessed firsthand, including being in the physical presence of Jesus. Doubts and unbelief had hardened their hearts. It is essential for us to recognize that we are susceptible to the exact same sin of astonishing unbelief.

Conversely, it is important to understand that astonishment can move us toward a deeper faith. When I face discouragement after moments of ministry, when emotions overshadow truth, and when storms rage loudly, I want to choose a different astonishment. I want to be astonished by how endlessly patient, powerful, and faithful Jesus is. The same Savior who walked on water, multiplied bread, prayed for His disciples, rescued Peter, and calmed the storm is with us today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

My prayer is that our astonishment will lead us away from unbelief and move us to worship, trust, and deepen our faith in the presence of our Savior.

If this story stirred something in you, you’re not alone. If you need prayer, support, or someone to connect with, we’re here to help you take the next step toward hope. Please reach out to us through our Contact Us page, or leave a comment below.