Stay Calm



“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,  against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:12

In Mark chapter 4 we read the story where Jesus demonstrated His power over creation. Yet we miss half the story if we think for a second Jesus only sought to calm the wind and the seas. Are you aware that there was a greater storm raging than the one outside the boat? The greater threat was taking place in the boat in the heart of everyone on board. While Jesus slept the disciples were overcome by what they were seeing with their own eyes. The storm blinded their faith to the point they had all but forgotten Jesus had spoken, He had told the disciples to get into the boat and that they were all going over to the other side. Jesus word should have been enough to hold on to when the wind began to grow and seas roared.

Jesus words are never enough when we walk by sight and not by faith. The storm within will always become greater than the storm outside. As fear griped the hearts of Jesus disciples they cried out to Him thinking Jesus did not even care that they were about to perish. Awakening Jesus from sleep He calmed the wind and the sea and then questioned His disciples as to why they had no faith. Isn’t that how it is when we face a storm in life? Immediately we feel as if Jesus doesn’t care.

As the boat rested on a calm sea an even greater fear came over the disciples as the reasoned amongst themselves regarding Jesus and His ability to simply speak to the wind and the sea and they would obey. More than calming the external storms outside the boat Jesus came to calm the battles raging in each of our hearts. God knows that fear has a blinding and crippling effect on our lives that only can be overcome by faith in God. Saving faith, faith that provides comfort in the midst of the storm comes by trusting in the One who is faithful, faith in the One who is forever true! Jesus has promised us that we too will make it to the other side regardless of how severe the storms we must endure along the way.

Rest in this today, loved one. God isn’t calling us to calm the storms of our lives, but rather to trust Him who even the wind and the sea must obey. Our faith doesn’t insulate us from our fears, faith simply allows us to have hope in the midst of our fears. Are you facing a storm in your life today? If so, take a deep breath and repeat after me...

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world!

1 John 4:4

I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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