Stay the Course

Luke 8:22-25  One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out.  As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.   The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”  When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”  The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

We get a direction from the Lord.  He sets us off on a path, giving us a mission or ministry, some sort of work to do for Him..."Let's cross to the other side of the lake." Jesus told the disciples.  So off we go...obedient, excited, expectant.  And then the storm comes.  Violent waves are crashing over our plans, strong gusty winds keep pushing against us, seemingly trying to hold us back from our newfound purpose and undertaking.  As we feel like we are being overwhelmed by the storm we cry out, "What's going on Lord?  I'm going where you told me to!"  We share the apostles fear, their confusion.  If we are following the Lord, why is it so hard?  I feel like this so often.  And then God....

As I read the account of this episode of Jesus' life here on earth, I thought to myself...well Jesus certainly didn't seem surprised or concerned with this storm.  In fact, it's as if He wasn't even aware it was happening.   And sometimes it seems that God is asleep when we feel like we are going to drown. The thing that God impressed upon my heart though, was that it's not that Jesus wasn't aware, or didn't care..,.He just knew that since He was following God's plan, He would get there safely.  God was opening up my heart to see this passage in a new light.  Jesus could peacefully fall asleep, secure in the knowledge that He was under the Father's watchful eye. The disciples in their human-ness saw only the storm, the problems, the sinking....And I know I am that way too.  Instead of resting in the Father's arms, I fret.  If God has given us a mission or task...then He will complete it.  Whenever we step out in faith to follow God's commands, opposition will not be too far behind.  Our job....have FAITH!

Psalm 33:11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Psalm 119:91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.

Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Isaiah 14:27 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken— who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

When the Lord sends us forward, Satan will not be happy, people around us may not understand or agree, our emotions might have a fit, we may even feel like we are in the middle of a raging storm...but God is in control, His plans will prevail.  We can rest, peacefully, quietly, secure in the knowledge that our heavenly Father will bring us safely to the other side.

I pray Lord that You would encourage us to keep going, keep our eyes fixed on You and not the storm when we are following Your plans.  Strengthen our faith.  In Jesus Name, amen.

Don't let fear of stormy opposition deter you from your God given task !  Face the storms, like Jesus did, at rest and at peace.  One step, one inch at a time if need be, just go forward with Him.