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The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Written by Stella Irene @ https://sellairene.wordpress.com
Original post @ https://sellairene.wordpress.com/2016/07/21/reflection-facing-the-storm-beautiful-words/
FACING THE STORM
Scripture source: Mat 8:23-27 ; Another references: Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
As there is no ocean without a storm, there is no life without problems. Some problems may predictable and anticipated but sometime a sudden storm come and hit our lives when everything seems calm and fine. That is what happened to the disciples of Jesus the Lord in the middle of the Galilee Sea.
It was already evening when Jesus invites his disciples went to the side of the lake, to the land of Gerasa. The night moved when something suddenly tore their composure.
And SUDDENLY a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. (Matthew 8:24 NKJV)
The storm was so powerful. Waves gushed into the boat until the boat was beginning full with water. The disciples fear and panic. They were woke Jesus and begged His help, but not by faith, but by despair.
Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25 NKJV)
In the same story in the Mark 4:38, it appears that they doubt to God, even angry and suspicious to the Lord until came out this word from their mouth: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
From this story, we learn: Problems always come up without permission and never make an appointment. Like it or not, ready or not, the problem remains came over. The response that came out from within ourselves will show what we really are, how deeply we believe in God, and the extent to which we know Him. Do we keep quiet because we believe in Him, or fear, panic, despair, anger, and blame God.
JESUS IS OMNISCIENT
The disciples went to the side of the lake is not of their own volition, but Jesus invited them.
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35 NKJV)
Did Jesus know that there would be a storm? Yes, the Lord Jesus definitely knows.
Did Jesus know when exactly the storm was coming? Yes, Jesus already knew.
But … Jesus also knew that there were no storms can harm and destroy his disciples. As long as Jesus with them, in fact there was no reason for His disciples to panic and fear because it was all in His control.
In this life …. Even though we had to walk with God and do His will, it does not mean no one will be “storm free” in our lives. There are times God allows it increasingly tempestuous storm and it seemed almost destroyed us, while God as if silence is not acting. Not because God does not care, but God wants to see our reaction, wanted to pull out the best part of the inside of us. He wants us to believe and rely on Him. That is the process. Stay calm and do not panic. The Lord Jesus was omniscient. He knows when and how to rescue us. He must act and not be too late!
JESUS ALMIGHTY
The storm was at the peak of ferocity and the disciples have been on the threshold of their power, when the authority and power of the Lord Jesus delivered His word. Instantly nature was subject to Him!
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39 NKJV)
Nothing is impossible for the Lord Jesus. He is the Creator of the universe. There is nothing that is not subject to His commandments.
If the storm can come up suddenly, God’s help can suddenly turn our situation because He is God Almighty. There is nothing impossible when the Almighty says!
He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. (Psalms 147:15 NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV)
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