When Jesus was sleeping before He calmed the sea – He was not concerned about what the storm might do – He’s “the master of the sea Billows His will obey” It was the disciples that were not in control of what was going on. That is just like life isn’t it? There is a lot that is going on in our lives – very little do we have control over. We do not have sovereignty over anything really – we are just hanging on – by our fingertips are times.
The wind and the sea do not have a free will – oh – they have their own nature and they interact the rest of creation – sometimes in violent ways, but they must do as their creator commands. That is the way it is with all of creation, except with man.
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27
We are different from all of His creation – we have a free will. We can step outside the bounds of God’s intent. We are not forced to obey but free to disobey. Certainly there are consequences for our choices, but, still, we are free to choose. God has given us the means to do right – to live in harmony with His intent – a Restorer – Jesus Christ – a guide- His Spirit and – a revelation of His will – His Word. What we must do is place our faith and trust in His provision. Jesus asked the disciples – “Why are you so fearful”? Jesus was right there – physically, with them. Yet they feared for their lives.
Before we consider their actions with disdain or contempt – let me suggest that all of us are just one tick on the clock away from saying the same thing to Jesus.
“Teacher [Master], do You not care that we are perishing?” – Mark 4:38
After we are born again – we still have a free will – but that will is to be submitted to God – every day. We are to be like the wind and the waves with respect to our obedience. To do the will of the Father should be our goal. Paul wrote that we should offer ourselves and living sacrifices to God – laying our free will down on the altar – each day.
“I [urge] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2
That will only happen if you are intentional about your faith and determined to follow the disciplines of our faith. My encouragement today is this. When you are in the middle of your next “storm” remember that God is with you in the midst of whatever it is that has struck fear and worry in your heart. He always has your best in mind. You may get knocked about – drenched by the waves brought on by the storm – but you are now and will always be a child of God.
“The eyes of God are upon me, He sees everything I do. The arms of God are around me, They keep me safe and secure.
And He knows where I am Every hour of every day He knows each thought I think He knows each word that I might say.
And although there've been times I've been out of His will I've never been out of His care.” – (Dallas Holm, I've Never Been Out Of His Care, 1991)
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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