Peace in the Storm

Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

I was reading this story this morning and trying to think of how I could apply it to my own life. I didn't have to think long. The phone rang. It was a call from the electrician with an estimate for how much a necessary electrical repair was going to cost us. The amount was staggering. This, in addition to a plumbing problem we had earlier in the month and an additional electrical repair related to the same problem left me reeling in panic. In just a few minutes I had gone from a calm lake to a fierce storm and like the disciples, I thought I was going to drown. As I returned to my Bible and cried out to the Lord, I realized I had a choice to make. I could be frantic like the disciples or I could climb up beside Jesus, lay my head on that cushion and rest, knowing that He is in control of the storm and that He is my provider. I chose to declare with Jesus by faith "Peace be still" over the financial storms of my life. At once, calmness flooded my soul and memories of all the times God has been faithful to provide for us poured into my mind.

I am choosing to rest with Jesus and declare that He is greater than any storm I may face. I heard a quote once that I love. I don't know who said it but there is so much to learn from it. "Stop telling God how big your storms are and start telling your storms how big your God is." Today I am choosing to walk by faith. What about you? Are you facing any storms today? Will you join Jesus and me as we rest?

Exodus 14:13 (AMP) Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today.

Jennifer