I can't tell you how many times I have seen people walk away from their faith, or get discouraged because they simply couldn't "feel" God. Don't hear me as perfect, for I am not. In fact in the roller coaster of Christianity, I have felt like the man from the "Footprints" poem that I know we're all aware of. Yet, as I continue to seek, continue to grow I know that I know that I know God is real. More than this, he is solid rock. Our strong tower. Our Abba Father. What is going on in these times when we feel at a hiatus in our connection to God? When we feel like we don't know what he is doing, or even where he is at?
1 Peter 1:8-9
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with your glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (ESV)
Mark 4:35-41
Jesus Calms The Storm
If I were a disciple, I think my initial opinion after Christ's question at the end of this chapter would have been: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE NO FAITH?" At first glance, the distress of the disciples seems very well thought out. They were in the middle of the sea, in a giant storm and Jesus was no where to be found. I can't tell you how many times I've been in that boat. In that storm? I know you've been there too. We see the waves crashing up on the side. The wind blowing over our mast. The lighting illuminating our fears. The thunder booming. And... where is our God? Sleeping. And I have little faith? Yet. Look at the first thing Christ says at the beginning of the passage...
"Let us go across to the other side"
Oh, I of little faith! Of course I will make it to the other side, for it is what Christ has said! My storm is meaningless when Christ has already promised me that he will bring me through it! What Christ says happens! And he says:
"I am the Good Shepherd"
"I make all things new"
"Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you!"
"No on can snatch you from my Father's hand."
"LET'S GO TO THE OTHER SIDE!"
Isaiah 50:10
"Who among you fears the Lord, and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the darkness, who has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God." (ESV)
Faith is not about the seen, but the unseen. For when the lights are out, the count is down, the odds are against us; that is when we rise up. THAT is when we trust on our God. THAT is faith. For we are constantly in and out of storms. Know. Know, precious child of God, that he has already determined how he will save you from it.
Much love,
Matt Allen
THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
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