In these chaotic #Covid-19 times I find myself thinking about the disciples who were on the boat with Jesus when a life-threatening storm arose on the very waters they were on. I think we can relate to them, just as they were facing a storm, so are we. And just like them, they were unprepared to face it and were in a state of panic, fear and uncertainty. Let’s set their scene (Read Mark 4:35-41). Jesus had just healed a man from leprosy, multiplied fish and loaves healed many who were demon-possessed, and taught on the cost of discipleship. They all decided to take a boat ride that was only meant to be a "3 hour tour" (ok that was a joke.
That was not only really bad but dated me)! When suddenly they were hit with a storm, and the disciples panicked. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is right next to them sleeping peacefully. And instead of looking at Jesus and they're "W.W.J.D." bracelets to show them how to react to their situation/storm, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. They begged Jesus to do something, so him being Jesus, calms the storm… but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His humbling rebuke over their lack of faith wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it. This is where the story relates to us! When we find ourselves in storms we can’t control, how do we respond? Is it with faith? Is it with fear? Or is it with both? No matter how you answered, it's okay, we are only human! And no matter how you answered I want to let you know that you can find comfort when you turn to God's encouraging "word's of truth":
1.) God has power over every storm - Yes Coronavirus too!
If the wind and waves don’t concern Him, then they shouldn’t scare you. You might not be able to change your situation, but you can choose to trust God in the middle of the storm. And this is true for you and me now and forever, no matter what storm in life we will face. Remember God is in control of the situation, not you, not me, not Covid-19 or the media, only the most high! And you should take peace in that.
John16:33 - "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:25-27 - “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
2. Fixing your eyes on Jesus leads to peace.
Are you looking at the size of the storm, or turning towards the One who can calm it? It’s only by focusing on God, who knows the outcome, that you can begin to navigate any situation with His wisdom and peace. Instead of watching the media and news 24hrs, turn it off and turn on some worship music or pick up your bible.
Here are some worship songs I love!
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3. Jesus is always in your boat & is the captain as a matter of fact.
It’s easy to focus on your fears when you can’t control your future. But, Jesus knows your future, and He’s always by your side, just lean into him. And, He calls you to live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthains 5:7 - For we live by believing and not by seeing.
Joshua 1:9 - This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isiah 46:4 - I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
4. Whenever you find yourself overwhelmed by life, you always have two choices: you can focus on your storm, or fix your eyes on Jesus. If you choose to look to Jesus above everything else, you will begin to see that the storms you face are not nearly as powerful as the Savior choosing to walk through the storm alongside you.
Psalms 23:4 - Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Psalms 4:8 - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
One moment, we are smooth sailing through life, and the next, we are in the eye of the storm. But we must remember that whatever storm we face, Jesus is in it with us.
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