CONCERT OF PRAYER Pray Week 905

“Trust is the Issue”

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Matthew 8:23-25)

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Does your mind refuse to stop fretting and thinking about your problems denying you a restful night’s sleep? What was it about Jesus that allowed Him such peaceful sleep in the midst of a great storm?

The disciples had just witnessed Jesus heal the Centurion’s servant with a spoken word. They had seen Him heal Peter’s mother-in-law. They were with Him later in the evening when He healed many demon-possessed and sick people. Now in the midst of a stormy sea, they panic and feared for their lives.

Sometimes our life circumstances weigh heavy on us like a great storm and we become fearful and depressed as our problems loom large ahead of us. Surely, we can proclaim our belief in God, Creator of heaven and earth. We can also state our belief in Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. We certainly believe that God is capable of performing miracles.

For us knowing that God is capable of working a miracle in our life is not the issue and belief in Him is not the issue. Trust is the issue. Trust is the catalyst that activates our stated beliefs. Our behavior is activated in accordance with our beliefs by trust.

Does it seem like Jesus is sleeping while the stormy seas of life are threatening to drown you? We believe He can – but will He? Why doesn’t God act now? Why doesn’t He intervene on my behalf now? Why must I continue to battle for control of my storm-tossed boat? I cannot sleep while the storm rages around me. Why is He asleep in the midst of my storm?

God has not abandoned you. The fullness of the power of God that allowed Jesus to sleep peacefully in the storm-tossed boat dwells within you. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10)

He wants you to reach the full measure of trust in Him. This is where our actions must substantiate our stated belief in God. It is time to curl up in the storm-tossed boat next to Jesus and go to sleep saying ‘I trust you Lord. I trust your love for me. I trust in your power and strength and I receive your joy, your peace and your hope.’ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13) All joy and peace and hope come as we trust in Him. May you sleep peacefully in the Name of Jesus resting in His presence and power.