I Need More Than Calgon

“And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6, ESV

Last week, when we were together, we found ourselves in the midst of a storm, with no warning. Our reflection of that time reminded us of the disciples and their encounter with a storm. However, their encounter and their way of dealing with the situation did not leave us with a substantial means of life application. In other words, the disciples, on their own cognizance, did not find words of peace within themselves. Yes, our common denominator is a sense of fear but fear, in and of itself, should not be our final answer nor should it be our final resting place. After all, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). So what are the take-a-ways? What are the principles that we should glean from the disciples’ situation?

First of all, don’t fear. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Power to take authority over the things that may be frightening to us. Love to see our situation through the eyes of God, realizing that if He loves us, He will not allow anything to harm us. And then a sound mind which allows us to practice self-control in keeping our emotions in check.

Secondly, there’s the principle of faith. We’ll remember that Jesus asked the disciples, “How is it that you have no faith?” How is it that you don’t trust me? We’ve walked together and we’ve had many conversations. The word says, “So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.” Do you not believe that, that which has been spoken of me is true? Dr. Tony Evans says it this way, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” Sometimes we just need to act like God is telling the truth and not try to figure everything out, but take Him at His word. God’s word is true. It’s spot-on and anything else is a lie –– a falsehood, an untruth. So, we have to stop allowing the enemy, tell us otherwise. You’ll remember, He did it to Eve in the garden, and he’s still trying this same age-old trick today.

We cannot allow what we know to be true about Christ to fall subject to something that’s totally out of His character. If you know Him to be a Healer, He’s still that. If you know Him to be a Provider, He’s still that. If you know Him to be a Miracle Worker, He’s still that. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

The disciples had every reason in the world to trust Jesus. For you see, they had seen the hand of His miraculous deeds; they knew Him to be the Son of God and that God was well pleased with Him. They were eyewitnesses to every incredible act. But they are also, prime examples of what can happen when we forget what Jesus did for us yesterday and focus more on the storm that’s happening to us today. Like Peter, when we lose our focus, we begin to sink. But God! Just as Jesus was there, beckoning Peter to come, He’ll also be there before you, beckoning you to come.

Therefore, no matter where you may find yourself in your journey or no matter what you may be going through, on your journey. Always remember, that Jesus is the Peace that calms the storm and in Him is the place to Be Still.

Join me next week for Coffee on The Couch.