Do Something

“Where in our lives are we doing life, yet we want it to change it at the same time?”

That’s a great question on the surface, but it starts to hurt when we peel back the outer layer and really examine our lives.

So, are you ready to get real? In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter showed that He was ready. Well, kind of.

Where in your life are you expecting change, but you are doing all of the same things?

Where are you expecting God to show up, but you are lacking faith in Him?

Or is everything hunky-dory with no gray skies or storm clouds in sight?

NEWSFLASH: we all go through storms.

We will all go through storms.

You may be in the middle of a storm right now.

You may finally be able to rest because the rain is drying up.

Or it may be drizzling and you don’t even have your umbrella ready.

Whatever stage you find yourself in, there’s an important truth to remember: God will see you through the storm as long as you remain focused on Him.

First things first: you must recognize the storm. Senior Pastor Jim White shares with us that we must recognize the intensity, power, identity and nature of the storm in order to avoid it taking control of our lives.

Secondly, you must get out of the boat. Whatever fear that is holding you back must be left in the boat and you must get out and walk on the water. What are you so afraid to leave?

Lastly, you must keep your eyes on God. If you want to make progress in the middle of the storm you have to trust Jesus. As soon as you take your eyes off Jesus, you will start to sink. As soon as you stop praying, stop seeking guidance from the Lord, stop being obedient, you will sink.

If you think this storm in your life is just God’s version of bullying, heed these words:  “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?...No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:7, 11)

We can’t just be God’s children when we want to receive the riches of His blessings. We are God’s children (always) and He loves us. And because we know this, we should “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)”

Meditate on Matthew 14:22-33 and listen to what God wants to teach you about your storm.

Resources

James Emery White, Momentum. Sermon series available at Mecklenburg Community Church.