On the Lake.

"One day Jesus said to His disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up shouting, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?"
The disciples were terrified and amazed. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!"
--Luke 8:22-25 (NLT)

What a typical picture in my life. God sets out to bring me to a new place. Maybe a new season, or a life change. Maybe a new job, or the vision of hope and dreams for the future. Maybe the beginning of a new relationship. Maybe it is a change of location, moving to a new city or new house. Whatever it is, I think I have a lot to learn from this story when mirrored with the context of my life.

Right now, I am still waiting, not sure how long we will have to live in our home, not sure if jobs will open up. There is an incredible amount of uncertainty in my life right now. Most days, I trust God, and I believe that He IS taking me to the other side of the lake. This morning was not one of those days. I woke up feeling frustrated, worried, stressed. Even though I was praying and singing to God, I didn't feel my heart changing. I think I didn't really want my heart to change, I wanted my situation to change. I prayed and acknowledged that HE is bigger, and stronger, and I believe that HE truly does love me. I asked for His peace. Still nothing. My heart was softening, but not feeling the break-through for which I was begging.

Then I came to this scripture, and I felt incredibly blessed.

Jesus told the disciples He was taking them somewhere, but he didn't magically transport them. No sci-fi action, "Beam me up, Scottie." Nope, they had to make the journey. They had to step into the boat, push the paddles, and fight the waves. Whatever the destination may be, there will be a path, a journey, that takes us there. That is truly the hardest part.

The waves began to rise around the disciples, and they started to panic. It is easy to criticize these guys now, but how much more have I flipped out when waves started to crash and water filled my boat? I think that they should atleast be commended for their action. They went to Jesus. I suppose you could say they were a little late, and should have asked for help sooner. Either way, they went to the right guy for help. I know there are times when I seek out people before Jesus. There are times when I try to build my own security, act stubbon, and try to be independent. All I really need to do is come to HIM.

Jesus asked "Where is your faith?" He didn't ask this because he came to his rescue. I think he was the fear in their eyes. He heard the worry in their voice as they cried out that they might drown.

Faith is knowing that we are on a journey. Faith is knowing that waves WILL come. Faith is knowing who to go to for help. Faith is believing that at our Lord's command, even the winds and waves will obey Him. Faith is knowing that God gently holds us and our whole world in His hands.

Today, I choose to be a woman of Faith. I leave fear behind. I trust in my Savior. I know He is here with me.

Love and Truth be Told,
Tiffany