Pastor Marc Likins
John 6:18-20, "And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid."
We spend a good chunk of our lives trying to avoid storms. And, some of you who are planners take this to a whole new level. But in general, we first-world people live as if we can prevent uncontrollable chaos.
Financial loss? We have a Dave Ramsey savings account for emergencies.
Relational turbulence? We seek out a counselor or two to calm the waters.
Health? We spend hours researching the internet to avoid any physical ailments.
Job uncertainty? File for unemployment.
Parental frustration? Give the kids to their grandparents. (Just kidding on this one!) ☺
In John 6, the disciples found themselves in a storm far beyond their control.
And, what came next? Fear. Fear gripped them.
We ourselves are living in uncertainty, chaos, and a bit of fear. If anything, I think all of us have learned one crucial lesson so far and that is: we never really had control in the first place.
The disciples found themselves in the same place. They had no control, and they were smack dab in the middle of a storm. But here is where their story took a turn. Jesus showed up! Before He did a single thing about their “stormy circumstances,” He told them not to be afraid because He was there!
That’s it! When fear creeps up. When worry sinks in. When our mind starts whirling. When we absolutely have no control over these uncertain times, you know what we do have? The presence of Jesus.
And that is exactly what He gave to His disciples before even touching their circumstances. He gave them Himself.
No matter how deep the deep, how strong the wind, how high the waves—Jesus is enough for that!
When you find yourself biting your nails, concerned for what’s to come, may that serve as a reminder that your view of Jesus is off. He is sovereign. He has been in control this whole time. May you find rest for your soul in His presence.
Find yourself as the hymn writer John Newton did, learning how to stop and smile at the storm because of the presence of Jesus.
"His love in times past forbids me to think,
He will leave me at last in troubles to sink.
By prayer let me wrestle, then He will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm."
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