January 08, 2025
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. (Matthew 8:24)
Everything about the earthly life of Christ was designed to teach us. For Christ not only came to show us the Father but also ourselves. He displayed how a man is always to live … a man in absolute dependence upon the Father.
“SUDDENLY”
Everything seems to happen suddenly. “Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake.” The Sea of Galilee sits at the southern end of a valley down which winds often swirl intensely. This causes an “erquilo” or sudden storm that is violent and unpredictable upon this relatively small lake.
How like our lives! If you think you can overcome your fears by controlling your environment, you are constantly engaging in a useless and frustrating exercise. Storms happen. And they happen quickly and, sometimes, violently. The way to overcome anxiety is never CONTROL.
“BUT JESUS WAS SLEEPING”
The contrast between the outside and inside of Jesus was the stunning testimony. Outside, an uncontrollable situation. Inside Jesus, perfect peace and rest. So perfect that He could actually sleep so profoundly that the disciples had to wake him to get Him up.
Why was there no storm inside Jesus? No anxiety, no worry, no fear?
“YOU HAVE SO LITTLE FAITH!”
Jesus forever identified the problem with us as a faith issue. Because of His faith, Jesus had peace in any situation. He trusted His Father. He knew the situation did not demand His attention or control because it was secure in His Father’s hand.
In one sentence, He testified this about Himself and identified it in us.
The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” (Vs. 25-26)
One of my children has a physical situation with her child that is causing my daughter to be unable to sleep. She feels she must stay up and watch over her; sleep has alluded her for many nights. This may be the leadership of God (for he uses parents precisely this way at times). But at this point, it seems beyond that. Based on this passage, I reminded her today that she can trust her child to God. Although completely understandable, I asked her, “Do you think your watchfulness is more efficient than His?” She understood and responded in faith.
When Dallas Willard was asked his best one-word description of Jesus, he said, “Relaxed.” He was never in a hurry, never worried or disturbed. He could sleep in a violent storm. Why? Purely faith. That one dimension—the confidence to trust everything to his Father—gave Him a 100% worry-free life.
We must see this battle this year in this way. Every issue in our lives is a call to faith.
March 27, 2025
When our faith is sufficient to lead us to actually follow God’s plan, we will always see that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.” These words, as always, are important.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
