03/31/2022
What do we do when we find ourselves far from shore, being beaten by the waves of life, and we can’t make any headway towards safe harbor because the wind is blowing strong against us? We have all experienced times like this, so what did we do? Did we fall to the deck and consider ourselves lost? Did we pull our sails down, get out the oars, and try to row ourselves out of trouble, or did we look out across the churning sea of life for Jesus, as we cried out for spiritual help? If we find ourselves in this situation, and Jesus comes to us, do we recognize him, and if he calls us to come to him in the midst of the gale, will we go?
“but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.”
Matthew 14:24 ESV
Every soul finds it easy to misinterpret miracles, blessings, and answered prayer, on the calm days when everything is going right in our lives. We think that we are in control on days like these. We believe that we sailed the boat, we set the course, we have added sail to catch more wind, and all the fish in our nets are there because of our skill as fishermen. On the calm sunny days it is easy to miss the hand of God as He moves with us through life. These are the “I” times; the times of calm when there is only a light chop on the water, and we are in the “I” between the storms.
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”
Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV
Are any of us in such a place right now, have we turned our gaze inward, and become self-reliant? If so we should beware because the “I” times deceive us, and the storms are just over the horizon. God’s lessons regarding belief, and faith, are taught in the raging waves, and fearsome times when the sea around us is rough, our sails are being tattered, and our nets have been ripped from their bindings? When Jesus comes to us in such times we are more likely to recognize Him, see the miracles clearly, stretch our faith, and in knowing it is Him we will walk to Him when He calls. He calms the sea, heals the sick, raises the dead, and performs every miracle that we might believe, and give all the glory to God.
“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”
2 Corinthians 1:9 ESV
Many in my family have been faced with death sentences. Times like this can come in an instant, and in many forms such as drowning, severe bodily injury, addiction, cancer, and others, but in these times when we have faced life’s storms Jesus has always come. The most recent of these miraculous reprieves from death happened just yesterday when a cancer that was there the day before in an MRI was gone the next… miracles… God performs them every day. He reveals Himself in the midst of sudden storms so that we can easily see His hand at work, and He performs them on the “I” days when our gaze has turned inward, and we often miss Him working. It takes discipline in our faith to even look for Him during the “I” days, and a sharp eye to recognize His handiwork.
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered,”
1 Chronicles 16:11-12 ESV
So…. Whether we are in the “I” times, or in the midst of a storm, look for Jesus. Turn the “I” times in our lives around, and through continuous prayer, and worship, make them His times. When He comes to us in the storms give witness to the miracles He has boldly shown for all to see. Don’t accept the explanations of nay sayers, and the unbelieving… they are only meant to explain away His presence, and glory.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the many miracles and blessings you perform, and give to us in our daily lives. Reveal yourself to us, and through us, so that all will come to know you, know you better, and so that none will be lost. Help us in our unbelief as we see you at work in the world, and within ourselves. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God in whom nothing is impossible, and to whom natural laws are no obstacle. Praised be your name for our next breath, our next meal, or the next step we take when those around us say it is impossible. Heal our bodies in a Word, and leave us in awe at your power, mercy, and omnipotence. Cause the doubters to believe, the deaf to hear your gospel, and the blind to see your Son Jesus coming to them across the raging water. Wash us clean in the blood of Jesus, and remove every sin, and heal any blemish they might leave behind. Father, we pray that you see Jesus in us, and count us as being worthy in Him on judgement day. Let the greatest miracles in our lives be our salvation, and resurrection. Call us your children, and set a place for us at your table where we will sit before you in eternal joy, and peace.
Rich Forbes