Have you ever felt like that? Are you in the boat rocking right now or are you standing on the shore, raising your hands to Jesus asking Him for "Peace be still." I've been in both places in my life. And the easier way of doing things is standing on the shore, at least you don't feel like getting sick all over your shoes. You get the picture. Anyway, how are we to respond in the storm? Does Jesus want us up and down with the waves, panicking and without hope? Absolutely not. We must believe that He is strong enough to calm our storm and that if we sit down on the seaside shore, He will deliver us.
The Israelites saw miracle after miracle but wandering in that desert made them tired, grumbly and believe me there feet were always shifting in the sand. They were promised that they would be delivered into a grand place and what did they get, destitution, manna to eat, and no end in site. Many died wandering that land and even Moses, who led them so well, didn't get to see God's promise. Eventually, when the time was right, they entered and to this day they still occupy Israel.
They didn't know it but they were in spiritual battle. They were fighting to keep the hope of God's promises and to have faith that He was who He said He was. They lost their faith for every mile they wandered and almost killed Moses because their ship was rocking so hard they just didn't have peace that He was going to deliver them. It doesn't end at the Israelites for the disciples sat in a boat and the minute a storm of great proportion came up, they cried out for Jesus. They were panicking. These were men that had sat with Jesus, talked with Him and followed Him day after day. Even they panicked and wondered what He was doing. But Christ rose and said, "Peace be still." The sea calmed the boat quit rocking and the disciples were safe. In that moment, just before Jesus woke up their fear overtook their faith. I wonder if God ever gets tired of saying to us, "I'm here!"
My point today is that in order for our house to be still we must rely on Jesus. Peace comes from within but the pressure of our lives and of our flesh can take over any peace Christ provides. I personally have walked for years in a marriage that at times has been more than stressful and I've wondered, "Where are you God?" But as I've grown up in Him and looked for Him, He has appeared. He reveals Himself to me through Scripture and through my relationship with Him. Nothing is perfect and no one on this earth is going to have an easy life. Even the people you think have an easy life, don't! It's just not possible but when you are a Christian your faith will be challenged. It could be at home by your parents, your spouse, your children or your place of work. But somewhere, it will be challenged and you will have to stand still or your boat will be capsized.
Just so that you understand, this message is not just for you, I need it too. There are things that make me stress out and worry. And in those times, I have to stand still and ask Christ to calm my fears and lead me out of my flesh. I have to capture every negative thought and replace it with His word. And I have to trust when I can't see. That's the hardest one. But with each trial, I have learned something more about my Father. He is good and He is present and when I die to myself, He is revealed. I like that part the best. I want to know Christ and if He's going to stretch me and believe me He has; I must be armed and ready to fight my fears and stand still in His presence. For without Him, I am nothing but with Him, I can fight an army. Don't let the cares of this world beat you down. Stand up and ask Christ to arm you to fight the good fight. This race is not to see who gets through the finish line first, its to get to the finish line with your belief, hope and faith in tact. At the end of this battle, stands Jesus!
Will you join me today in praying for women that are in great trials or just need a Savior? Will you take time out of your busy schedule and stand still asking God to reveal Himself to you? I hope you will join me in asking our Savior to reveal Himself to all of us today. We all need Him more than we need the air we breathe. I am honored to be in His presence and I hope you are too.
Psalm 33: 14-22 NKJV:
From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually; He considers their works.
No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
Behold, the eve of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver
their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help
and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.
Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, my prayer today is that we would hear from You. That in the spiritual battle our ears would hear Your words and our minds would be full of Your thoughts. There are millions of people that need to hear from You today. They are scattered all around the globe and You know their exact location. You are calling us, as Your chosen women, to pray for them and to be available when You bring them into our midst. They are Your chosen, wandering in the desert, needing to enter into the promise land. That land is Your presence. I call upon You, as Your humble servant, and ask that You would fill me with Your Holy presence. That I would come before You and claim that You are my Savior, not just today, but every day of my life. You are my treasure and when I sit still, I can feel Your mighty presence. Calm the storm inside all of us and help us win the war. Our hope is not in our countries strength, or in the strength of our armies; our hope is just in YOU! Help us to march forward, proclaiming Your name and living in Your land. The land where You placed us and selected us to serve You. We want to believe and hope and live through whatever circumstance You place us in. Give us a firm foundation of Your love and of Your promise. We live in a world that undermines Your authority and continues to make us apathetic. Please grow us up to be passionate for the things You are passionate about and bring Your people to us. We love You Lord and desire to be in relationship with You today. Thank you for blessing our lives with Your mighty presence and for filling our hearts and minds with You. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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