Friday, July 16, 2021
And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14:24-27
Lessons From The Lake by Donnie O’Fallon
In Matthew 14:22 - 33, Jesus gives us a Lesson From The Lake, The Sea of Galilee. For those of you who have walked down the road of life, a little further, you’ll better understand this devotional today. You’ll also appreciate this statement, “no matter how old your kids are, they’re still your kids and will always be.” When they hurt and struggle, so do you.” Gina our daughter and Clay our son-n-law as well as Adam, our grandson and Jewel his wife were all diagnosed with Covid in the last 2 weeks and have had quite a time with it - especially Adam and Clay. But, when they hurt and struggle, so do Marsha and I, right? Some others of our NSBC Church Family are experiencing hardships and difficulty too.
The Sea of Galilee is 1500 feet above sea level. The surface of it is some 700 feet below sea level thus creating a vacuum of air that comes rushing down the sides of the mountains that surround the sea causing, at times, some turbulent storms. Difficulties in life are going come throughout our lives. They will come, that’s a constant in life. Jesus had just told His disciples to, “go to the other side of The Sea of Galilee,” which is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. The disciples were obedient and followed Jesus’ directive. They got in a boat and started for the other side. The scriptures tell us they were about at the halfway point and “The winds begin blowing contrary,” or against them, at the fourth watch, 3:00-4:00am.
Being a Christian and being in the will of God doesn’t always assure smooth sailing and safety. Often times those “contrary winds” that blow in our lives, God allows. If you’re a Child of God, nothing comes to us that He doesn’t allow. We’re His, and He protects and keeps us in His hand. In my life’s Journey thus far I have learned the following.
(1) Life is, 10% of What Happens To Us and 90% of How We Respond or
React To It!
· Sometimes God sends the storms to correct our paths.
· Other times He totally re-directs our paths
· We’re responsible to learn the lesson of the storm.
God doesn’t fail us, He just keeps giving the lesson until we get it. In the lesson we should stop, look and ask, “Lord what must I learn in this?” Often times we say, I want out of this place, situation, etc. but must never forget His promises, “I will never leave nor forsake you.”
(2) There Is No Christian Development Without Difficulty!
Bad times do not mean God is absent. Read Matthew 14:22 - The Psalmist said, “You, oh God, have enlarged me in my distress.” (Psalm 4:1) In Mark 6, He says, “He ever lives to make intercession for us.”
(3) There Is No Storm that Can Hide You, Where His Eye Can Not Find You! (verse:23)
Who was Jesus praying for in the bottom of the boat? His disciples then and now!
· The Distance from the shore, in the middle of sea, you’re in the middle of your dilemma.
· The Direction of life’s Winds are blowing against you. You’re struggling, about to go under?
· The Darkness of the hour, the 4th watch. Always remember, “the darkest hour
before dawn.”
(4) The Will of God Will Never Take You Where The Grace Of God Cannot Keep You! (Verses 25-27). The sea they feared was what brought Jesus to them. The water that was over their heads, was under His feet. The disciples were afraid, “it’s a ghost,” but Jesus said, “don’t be afraid, it is I.” Jesus proclaimed his presence with them as he does with you today.
(5) Finally, God Is Ready To Take Responsibility For A Life Totally Committed To Him! (Verses 28 -32),Jesus said to the disciples, “go over not under”, see (Colossians 2:6-7; Psalm 37; 23-24).
This is how we ”Weather The Storms Of Life.” Wherever you are in your journey in life, I pray you hear His voice saying, “ It Is I Do Not Be Afraid.”
