Saturday, May 25, 2013

How Are Your Sea Legs?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-mined man,
unstable in all his way.
James 1:5-8  (NKJ)
 
 
Have you ever been on a boat when the waves of the sea were driven and tossed by the wind?  It helps to walk on deck if you can figure out the rhythm of the sea.  Unfortunately, a wind-tossed boat has no rhythm because the waves will come at you from all sides.  When you try to walk you will be highly unstable with a good chance of falling hard on your backside.
 
Many years ago a church I attended in Chula Vista, CA decided to go on a fishing excursion on the ocean.  It was a beautiful day, not too cold and the sun was shining; however, the wind was howling.  With the boat riding the waves up and down and side-to-side, I had lots of fun fishing for albacore.  Unfortunately, a couple of my friends were curled up in fetal positions on the deck of the boat because they couldn't find their sea legs.  As a result they were extremely sick, including one U.S. Naval sailor.
 
A person who asks God for wisdom during the stormy trials of life but then doubts God will give it to him is like the sailor with weak sea legs.  One moment he's standing in firm faith believing God will indeed do what He says He will do.  The next moment he's curled up in a fetal position in disbelief doubting God will come through for him.
 
The disciples, many of them seasoned fishermen, were fearful during a storm at sea.  Jesus wasn't.  In fact, he was curled up asleep in the midst of the howling wind and vicious waves.  Once the disciples woke Jesus up, He questioned them, "Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?"  He did calm the storm for their sakes by saying, "Peace, be still."  However, I like the incredible definition of peace we see in Jesus while he slept through the storm.
 
Are you facing "howling winds" and "slashing waves" in your life right now?  How are your sea legs?  Peace be still.  Rest assured that Jesus is there with you in the midst of the storm.  He heard you cry out to Him where His peace, love, grace and wisdom are all available in this moment.


Application of God's Word:

1.  How are your sea legs?

2.  Be assured, you can ask the Lord to help your unbelief (Mark  9:14-29, 24).

3.  Read Mark 4:35-41.

4.  Answer the question in verse 41..."Who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"


Personal Matters:

I love it that God "says what He means and means what He says."  He says He is Love; therefore, He loves you unconditionally.  He says He will forgive; therefore, He forgives you when you confess your sins through Jesus Christ.  He says He will heal; therefore, He brings health and wholeness to your body.  He says He will never leave you nor forsake you; therefore, He is with you always.  He says the waters and fires of life's trials will not consume; therefore, He will give you the strength to walk through what it is you're facing right now.  His Word and His promises are straight-forward.  Stop struggling against the storm and allow His peace be with You in the midst of the storm.  I'm sorry you are facing the trials and the difficulties in this moment but I also know you're not walking through it alone.  Open your spiritual eyes and see Who is there holding you up. 
   



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