Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today – fear seeks to feed us when storms are present. You can’t stop the storms but you can choose what you feed on – fear or faith.
Matthew 8:23-26 TPT
[23] They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. [24] Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. [25] The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!” [26] But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood up and rebuked the storm and said, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm.
Observation
Fear always tells a story of doom. “We’re going to die!” It looks at the presenting circumstances and creates a future based on the presenting information. Fear then takes over driving us recklessly into a perceived created future. Fear silences faith. Faith is not blind, it looks at the same presenting circumstances but it is acutely aware that Jesus is present with us in all circumstances. That he is for us and will never leave us. Faith creates a Jesus present future in the face of circumstances. And everything looks different when Jesus is brought into the story, for now storms can be stilled.
Fear is an emotional response and is powerful – but it creates, it does not know the future, it creates its perceived future. Then fear harnesses the power of its associates, anxiety, stress and worry. Once you start sipping that cocktail you’ll be drunk with gloom, hopelessness and dread before you can access fears presented future. Fear must be faced head on with faith if you are to get another perspective. Now whilst storms do get stilled, not all storms get stilled, sometimes it is me in my storms that Jesus stills. The miracle is not always in the circumstances changed, but in the me who journeys my circumstances. We all want out of here when the violent storms of life develop, but sometimes it’s weathering the storm that reshapes my life in ways that calm sailing never can.
Application
Storms are not welcome, ever, but they can be the most transforming times in this life. Meet them with faith that dispels fear and see who you become. Shape a storms future story based on the presence of Jesus with you. I don’t know what will happen but I do know things will become a whole lot calmer. Maybe I need to take Jesus words to the storm more personally – , “Be still!” Maybe here is the first step to retelling fears story.
Response
Thank you that storms don’t write my story, in you I never loose the pen to write my life in you. Storms scream, you invite stillness, thank you for your invitation. I love this life with you where I never face a storm alone, I love my weakness because I know your strength.
Meditation
Meditate – , “Be still!”
Consider:
How often does the presence of storms create a fearful future for you?
Do I know how to be still in the face of fear?
JOURNEY DEEPER
