41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”"
Mark 4:35-41
The disciples had been around for several miracles -- they saw the amazing catch of fish; the healing of lepers, the healing of the man who couldn't walk. Yet, none of them affected them like the storm did. Why? This miracle was a defining moment because it was personal for them! They experienced it -- both sides of it: the fear and the miracle. Prior to this miracle they were just spectators.
Picture the scene:
--Jesus was tired and sleeping.
--The storms on the seas of Galilee are known to be fierce. This one was called a squall -- same word that is used for hurricane.
--Several of the disciples were seasoned fisherman. This was their home turf, the place where they were probably most comfortable. And they were scared.
-- They woke Jesus up with an accusation.
-- Jesus "muzzled" the wind.
--And then the disciples are said to have been "terrified" of Jesus.
Defining Moments in our lives:
Fear is an emotion -- instinctive, visceral; even animals experience it.
Faith -- control over emotions, indwelling and knowledge of the power of God.
Jesus doesn't say we will not experience storms. The question is: how will we respond? In faith or in fear?
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
1. Seek the Lord for His deliverance.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
2. Jesus lived daily. We are to live this way too. God has the future covered. Live for today.. And God for enough for today. Count on God to provide.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" Joshua 1:9
3. Don't be afraid. Be strong. Be courageous.
The world is going to get harder and harder to live in for Christians. Be prepared. We are to be fearless, strong, courageous, loving. Never worry or fret. worrying and fretting are the world's ways/.
Out on the ocean away from any land sighting -- that is following Jesus.
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7
4. Fan the flame of the Spirit within you.
Gotta add air to the fire. The Spirit gives us power, love and self discipline. Fan those flames!
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18
Love and fear cannot coexist. God's love, not the world's, conquers fear. It cost so much to love us.
People hurt and disappoint.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
What is left to fear? Nothing. God will not allow you to be snatched from His hands. He says don't worry. He'll take care of it.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
The above verse was said right before Jesus was killed. There is no defense, apart from Jesus, for sin. As Jesus went to the cross, Jesus gave us His peace.
In Those Defining moments:
1. Seek God.
2. Commune with Him daily.
3. Be strong and courageous.
4. Fan the flames of the Spirit.
5. Dwell in love.
6. Remember who you belong to.
7. Accept and reflect the peace of Christ.
Get the Spirit flowing. Be known as a person of peace. Be the one who faces the threat. God's got this. We stand behind Him.