THE BATTLE MUST BE WON ON THE INSIDE MORE THAN THE STORMS OUTSIDE
SCRIPTURE:
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:35—41 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Life is full of stormy like situations. Some storms happened without warning. Some has been expected for a long time. There are times that we are able to deal with some stormy situations. But then there are times that we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of what the storm brings. There are times that we are prepared for stormy times, but there are times that we are totally wrecked by the aftermath of the storm.
Fear is a real thing when we do not know how to handle the stormy situations in life. This last week had a great conversation with one of my best friend who is battling an incurable cancer. Never, ever expected that this was going to happen to him. However, because of his faith in Christ, he is taking it with a stride, one day at a time. He finally finds himself bedridden, and receiving all the necessary cancer treatment that requires for his situation.
Life’s uncertainty often left many wondering what to do. Jesus disciples started off on their journey to the other side of the lake peaceful and smooth, until a FURIOUS squall came and WAVES broke over their boat, and was nearly swamped the. No one plans for SUDDEN FURIOUS squall to hit them at anytime.
But as sure as the storms of life will come, I am reminded of also our security is knowing that Christ is in our boat. Our boat is our life sailing through in this trouble seas of life. I must always draw strength from seeing Jesus rested even in stormy moments. Christ presence is enough for us to find strength and comfort.
Like the disciples, I must turn to Christ in stormy moments of life, but not to be fearful like them. With every storms in life, I must learn how Jesus calms the storms. The storms must not control me. I must control myself in the storm.
As Jesus did,
- I MUST STAND UP TO THE STORM
- I MUST LEARN TO REBUKE THE WIND
- I MUST LEARN TO CALM THE STORM
- I MUST LEARN TO SPEAK TO THE STORM
The problem wasn’t so much of the storm that was going on outside of the boat, but the storm that rocked and has shaken them on the inside. The crisis of faith that was happening on the inside was more concerning then the waves and the squall that hit their boat on the outside. I must win on the inside before I can win on the outside.
APPLICATION:
I need this reminder daily. I must always see and know the presence of Jesus is with me no matter what the storm is in life.
PRAYER:
Jesus, please help me to always, always know that your presence is always with me. You are my shelter in the times of uncertainty in my life. Teach me how to trust you daily. Keep me under the shelter of your wings and help me stand and win my battles on the inside. AmenQ!
