Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Reason For The Storm

The following is taken from the notes I took during the message Sunday morning at church.

John 6:16-21

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

No matter what the reason of the storm, even if it's for correction, Jesus is with us.
God is in control of every storm and knows exactly how to get us through the storm or out of the storm.

Some reasons of storms in our lives:
1. Correction
2. Testing
3. Teaching
4. Just life (life happens)

The disciples WILLINGLY received Jesus into the ship.
We have to WILLINGLY receive God's help and provision in our life.

We must WILLINGLY accept...
1. God's salvation
2. God's power
3. God's guidance, (His plan)
4. God as our leader (Our parent)
5. God's discipline (Get better, not bitter)
6. God's forgiveness of ourselves and others
7. Our responsibility (We all have the responsibility to tell others of this Great Salvation)

Jesus and the disciples were in the same boat.
Fellowship = me and God in the same boat. When we are in the same boat with someone,
we are headed in the same direction, we are in unity, going to the same place...

II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

NOTE: I want Christ to be in my boat at all times because I willingly accept His guidance. I want Him there not just when the storms of life are raging but also when the sun is shining and the sea is calm. Scot also said Sunday that God is not a spare tire. Think on that awhile. So many people only want God when they are having troubles in their life, but He desires for us to fellowship with Him and willingly love Him in the good times as well. All of us will experience some kind of storm before we leave this world. I'd rather face the storm with a Good Friend than alone and scared. I'm thankful for the peace there is with Jesus!

Praying God is in your boat,
Liesa

3 comments:

Roan said...

Liesa, this was just excellent. Thanks for all of your thought provoking and inspiring posts.

I am still laughing at the way Mary Jo described you yesterday....the pretty lady that is dressed nice with her make-up on! And Esther went straight to you!! Makes me wonder how Mary Jo would describe the rest of us!! :)

I guess I would be "the lady holding the child smelling her hair!"

BECKY said...

Hi Liesa! This sure hits the nail on the head, huh? I love what Scot said about the spare tire, too! There isn't one of us who hasn't been guilty of spare tire syndrome! Thankfully, God's love doesn't fail, and He is continually sanctifying us!! Works in progress!!

Have a blessed Thursday!
Love ya,
Becky

Lynn said...

Liesa, thanks so much for this post and your encouraging words on Tuesday. We are doing and feeling much better. Keep praying for our family and posting the encouragement!