The Test of Faith
When Jesus was asleep on the boat as they were traveling from one shore to the next a storm came and literally rocked the disciples life. And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Matthew 8:23-25 ESV)
The depth of this story reaches far beyond the moment that it actually happened. The disciples were, as always, intrigued about the recent events that Jesus just accomplished. Jesus, at perfect peace, finds time to rest and sleep before the next events take place that will bring change to mankind. This in itself can be imploded and written about in such a way to express the affect that Jesus has on us. At least I would hope that He affects you like this…. In today’s Christianity the discussion of Christ is not about the events He has accomplished but what we are requesting of Him to do. Let us alway remember it is best to glorify Him and seek Him first along with His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) . Then the things that we ponder and desire which usually drives us to an altar will be added unto us. What should be the purpose of your personal altar is praise and worship (Hebrews 13:15). Taking into consideration these disciples and the life change that they had experienced up to this boat ride was absolutely phenomenal in retrospect of their past.
Applying the spiritual concepts to our everyday life with Christ, several thoughts are expressed and resident to our lives.
- Seafaring is a great analogy about our lives
- Then out in the clear blue a storm comes out of nowhere
- It upsets our plans, our comforts, our calculations
- Leaving us overwhelmed and seemingly helpless. (Jesus asleep in the ship Luke 8:22-25, the text)
- Every storm is a call to trust, it is not a chance happening, nor a ploy of the enemy
- For the same One that roused the storm can still it!
- Every storm is a call to prayer
- The door of prayer will always be the entrance to peace
- Prayer will bring praise in the community of believers.
What we can except through life is a road that leads us into a deeper relationship with Jesus our Savior. The road is not smooth and hedged in with candy and chocolate covered dreams. It is a road where we are taught about the goodness and the providence of God in our lives. God’s providence is shown in the rest of the Psalm 107:33-42 over the elements of human prosperity, the earth’s productiveness, and the powers of government! The admonition to whomever is wise to meditate upon the words of God’s great love in this mighty psalm. The storms that we experience are not made of rain drops and snow flakes or even gusts of wind they are everyday experiences that we hoped would go right but did not. He, Christ Jesus, may seem to be asleep but He is never without thought about you and ready too, in an instant, deliver you from each and every storm. Take not of His peace and compassion.
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God