Mothers for Prodigals

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Stormy Elements

Is there a storm raging where you are right now? Does it feel as though hurricane force winds follow you wherever you go? Do you have a thunder cloud hanging over your head? Is your life cycling out of control as if a cyclone has you spinning aimlessly? Does life appear calm outside of yourself while inside an eruption is about to take place? Or are you in the eye of the storm experiencing tranquility while being surrounded by a ring of unrivaled rainstorms?

If you can answer “yes” to any or all of the above questions, then you’re in good company. The disciples of Jesus encountered the literal and physical storms of life. We, like them, can communicate a thundering affirmative answer to having tasted the tempests of life. In good company, you say? Really? It doesn’t feel so good! So how do we handle life’s deluge of disturbances and discouragements? What do we do when hemmed in by trouble? Let’s read several examples of the disciples’ experiences and see how they handled the gales of life. 

“Come,” he said.
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew 14:22-33 (NASB)
In both accounts of Scripture, the disciples were in a boat on water, not solid ground. On both occasions, they were initially without Jesus when strong winds blew and the waves stirred violently. They were frightened and yet, each time when Jesus finally came to them, He said, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 
Before Jesus appeared to them, what do you suppose they were thinking and doing? Did their circumstances seem insurmountable? Were they distraught at the possibilities of danger? Did anxiety overcome them, resulting in flared tempers? Were they consumed with doubt for their safety? Did they focus solely on their surroundings or did they cling to the promises of God? Had they lost all hope? 
When life is topsy-turvy and chaos encircles you, what are you thinking? When storms roll in, are you filled with anxiety, doubt, and worry? Where is your focus: on your circumstances or God’s promises? Do you lose hope or do you trust God? Can you hear Jesus speak reassuring words of life to you or do you only hear Satan spew lies of hopelessness and death?
In the story from John, after the disciples received Jesus into the boat, they immediately landed on solid ground. Jesus gave them firm footing and they weren’t rocked to and fro. In the second story from Matthew, Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the storm. Sight overwhelmed his faith; the situation at hand gained control over God’s promises of old. 
We’re all guilty of doubt like Peter. Even though we may claim faith in God, we usually allow the visible dire conditions of life to overpower our belief. The sight of our situation causes us to falter in our faith. Why do we give disease, death, and discouragement dominance over our lives? Why don’t we allow life, liberty, and love from Jesus to linger in and around us?
God gives us directives in how to live our lives. Jesus desires for us to live free from worry and sin by giving Him our cares and troubles. We are to trust in Him and hold fast to His promises. We are to be vigilant in our faith by standing firm on the Word of God. Allow these Scriptures to infiltrate your heart and mind, giving you a firm foundation on Christ Jesus, the solid rock. Take your focus off the storm and turn your eyes upon Jesus!
...for we walk by faith, not by sight...  2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No storm of disease, death, depression, distress, discouragement, disappointment, danger, or dread can keep us from our God. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Fight the good fight of faith and believe in our faithful God. Allow Jesus to enter your boat and keep your eyes on Him.

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful and encouraging post Debbie...I had a huge "storm" this week....weary, but full of faith because of my faith that is anchored in Christ!