Continued from Jesus Calms The Sea
These threats are as real to us as drowning was to the disciples. In fact, I guarantee each of us will have to deal with at least a couple of these things in our lifetime. Some think security is never having bad things happen so we have time to worry about all the bad things that might happen. Focusing on the bad that might happen creates stresses on our whole system, spiritual, mental and physical. It also saps our energy for the good that could be done. Ph 4:5-8 "The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Paul is telling them, and us, that no matter how bad things are, we can thankfully trust in God and focus on the good.
2. In Faith: Mk 4:39-40 "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Jesus rebuked the wind and then rebuked the disciples. This example is in the Bible for a reason. What are we to learn from it? Are we to live in fear of every possible storm that could come our way? How could we get out of bed, except to avoid whatever disaster we imagine might befall us there? As followers of Jesus, it's not in our nature to be frozen by fear. Jesus (perfect Love) is in our lives and He banishes fear. This doesn't mean we'll live a pain-free life and nothing will go wrong. It means we have faith that when (not if) things go wrong He's got it handled, so there's never anything to worry about. In the midst of disaster, we can see God and His salvation. A wise person once said:
This moment in history is pregnant with the opportunity for great disaster and great triumph. As followers of Jesus, we have a choice where to focus our minds. We can focus on fear of every possible harm, or we can focus on faith in the God who saves us from all possible harm.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and
strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Lord, help us live in faith, rather than fear. No matter how big our problems are, help us to know you're bigger, you love us and you've got it handled. Please forgive us for the times we focused on fear. We thank you for being our ever-present help in times of trouble.
Bible Studies
Zechariah,
Elizabeth...
The Childhood Of Jesus
Life Of John The Baptist
The Temptation Of Jesus
Jesus Begins His
Ministry
Jesus And Nicodemus
Jesus...Woman At Well
Jesus
Rejected At Home
Pool Of Bethesda
New Wine...Wineskins
Sermon On The Mount A
Sermon On The Mount B
Sermon On The Mount C
Sermon On The Mount D
Jesus Anointed With Oil
Parable Of The Sower
Jesus Calms The Sea
Jesus Sends The
Twelve
Jesus
Walks On Water
Clean And
Unclean-Blind
Jesus Is The bread Of
Life
Jesus And The
Canaanite
Jesus Heals On Sabbath
Who Do You Say I Am
Mustard Seed Faith
Who Is The Greatest
Giving God Honor
The
Truth...Set You Free
Jesus The
Good Shepherd
Treasure-Heart In Heaven
Lost Sheep, Coin, Son
The
Shrewd Manager
Destiny Of
Judas...Mary
Meaning Of Palm Sunday
The
Greatest Command
Prophecy...The Last
Days
The Last Days
Parables
Analysis Of Last Supper
The Real Easter Story
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