It’s Not the Storm

Matthew 8: ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

============

Paralyzed with fear, I did not know what to say. I was in front of a big crowd for the first time and had to say some very bad news regarding money. Every word that came out of my mouth was salted with trembling tones. I was scared!

• There are moments I have been filled with fear.
• There are times when I have been afraid.
• There are situations that seem so frightening that I just want out!

Being filled with fear makes me want to run home and cry. When the storm of life turns into a torrent, I cry out to GOD “Don’t YOU hear me?” BUT GOD handles me gently.

• GOD asks me “Why are you afraid?
• GOD says to me “Focus on ME, not the storm.”
• GOD tells me “I AM going to strengthen you so other storms will not break you.”

Each stormy gale I face makes me stronger for the next. GOD sees my meager faith and wants it to grow. HE allows situations to happen and little by little I turn to HIM instead of relying on me.

Saying “We’re going to drown!” is not showing GOD faith. I know that sounds harsh and by no means do I take drowning lightly. GOD wants me to have faith enough to know HE will take me through storms in order to serve HIS purpose. I can also have the faith to know that when I finish serving HIS purpose, HE will take me home to say “well done.”

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you feel afraid?
• Can you stop thinking about your situation for a moment to ask GOD for your purpose?
• Will you seek what GOD will have you do today?