S – Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. ⁴⁹ When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 Mark 6:47–50 CSB

O – Commentary:

Jesus continued praying well past midnight. Meanwhile the disciples had made little headway out on the lake because a strong north wind blew against them. In the dim light of early dawn, the fourth watch of the night (by Roman reckoning, 3 to 6 a.m.; cf. 13:35), Jesus saw them straining at the oars and went out to them, walking on the choppy water’s surface. The words He was about to pass by them do not mean He was going “to bypass” them. He intended “to pass beside” them in the sense of an Old Testament theophany (cf. Ex. 33:19, 22; 1 Kings 19:11; Mark 6:50b) to reassure them.

  “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

“Pass” parĕrchŏmai, par-er´-khom-ahee; to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away)

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – We all go through “storms.” Jesus commanded his disciples to go to the other side and they still had problems.  They strained and worked to do what he said.  This is a lot like our journey today.  We are obedient and putting in the effort.  We are challenged and pushed against from “the other side.”  God is working on our faith, perseverance and character.  Also, he is present and with us in the journey.  Do we invite him closer or continue trying to do it alone?

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy.  Thank you for your presence and power in all of our daily challenges.  You have equipped us, and we are doing our best.  Yet, sometimes the storms are challenging and you feel distant.  Empower us today to align with your will and rest in your ability to accomplish your purposes.