Natural States
Mark 6:45-51a Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I, don’t be afraid. “Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
Life is tough it can sneak up on you and get out of control very fast. There are times that it seems there is no end to it and/or how bad things can really get. It’s during these times we really speak out to the Lord but not just to end our turmoil. It’s these times we wish God would just reach his arms down and give us a big hug!
When I was in the Navy and out on the open sea, things could get out of control real quick. Some were caused by human factors and some just occurred naturally. There were 3 constant natural conditions we were always presented with. We were either; in a storm; coming out of a storm; or preparing to enter a storm. These storms can mean high wind, waves and blinding rain. These are often represented in our Christian walk. We’re not just talking about weather conditions here. Our Christian lives can, and very often do resemble these conditions.
Adverse winds will blow in our homes and cause waves to roll in and disrupt the well-being of our habitation. When the winds of jealousy, covetousness, prejudice, pride, selfishness, and greed appear. It’s a pretty common fact that the waves of broken hearts, hurt feelings, sleepless nights, broken homes, fear, unforgiveness, and confusion are sure to follow.
We can’t always predicate the pattern and direction of the winds and storms in life. They often arise suddenly, quickly, instantly, and without warning. As the winds and waves move without restriction they leave behind a path of destruction. The winds and waves of life leave behind a parade of powerless, lifeless, aimless social outcasts and relationship challenged people yearning for acceptance and love.
We need Jesus in order to deal with the winds and waves of life. We need to be able to navigate through the nautical noise. We need to be able to stay afloat and sail through our stormy seasons. Jesus is our anchor to stabilize our position in turbulent times. Jesus is guiding our rudder, mapping out our course from the island of despair to the mainland of eternity! Jesus tells us what to do when we don’t know what to do! Jesus guides us in the proper decisions of life.
James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
In times of trouble, we must ask in faith! There is no room for doubt. When we waver or doubt we are hesitating. We are holding back when we should be moving forward in action. Remember faith is not merely assent but application. Faith is active.
In Mark 6:54a, Jesus got into the boat AND, “the winds died down!”
I’m not saying that the reason for troubles is because we don’t have Jesus in our heart. I am saying that as long as we have these earth suits on (we make mistakes), we will always face these 3 types of Natural conditions.
