Word@Work Luke126 - Luke 8:22-23
Published: Wed, 06/16/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
UNPREDICTABLE LIFESTYLE
Luke 8:22-23 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. (NIV)
Live with Jesus and anything might happen! The disciples had experienced amazing teaching and miracles from Jesus but, until now, they had not been in any personal peril. So Jesus intentionally led them into a crisis of personal survival in order to train them how to face danger. He knew just what would happen, so He slept as they sailed across the lake. He was not at all worried because He always has the power to deal with whatever will happen. His slumber did not indicate weakness, indifference, inattention or apathy. He could sleep because His heart was at rest; knowing all would be well.
Then the wind increased, threatening to overpower the sail - which would have been shortened. The waves also increased and the boat was in real danger of sinking. The disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, could see no way out of the problem. And Jesus was still asleep. It was a real test to see what they would do, for certainly the presence of the Son of God has not prevented the problem. In years to come they would encounter many different sorts of life-threatening circumstances; then they would remember their helplessness and the unnecessary terror they felt before Jesus intervened, so that when it happened again, they would put their faith in Jesus.
The Christian life is not easy. God never said it would be and Jesus often warned of hardship and persecution. Some people wrongly think that conversion will remove every difficulty; but as with the disciples, Jesus will not always stop the problems coming. However He will always be there. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." How often we forget this, and become fearful! We fail to see that each difficulty is a training exercise teaching us to trust Him more next time! Don't forget, if you belong to Jesus, He is committed to enabling you to handle every problem well; so that you will get the blessing which comes through trusting, and He will get the glory.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for Your love and care, and the confidence I have as I trust in Jesus. Although I would like all the problems to go away, thank You for trusting me with a series of training exercises which are designed to build up my faith. Please forgive me when I complain about difficulties, instead of looking to You and trusting that You will know how to deal with them; because I know that Your power is so great and You are always willing to work with me. May my colleagues at work see what real faith is like, as I face the challenges which You allow to come into my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Live with Jesus and anything might happen! The disciples had experienced amazing teaching and miracles from Jesus but, until now, they had not been in any personal peril. So Jesus intentionally led them into a crisis of personal survival in order to train them how to face danger. He knew just what would happen, so He slept as they sailed across the lake. He was not at all worried because He always has the power to deal with whatever will happen. His slumber did not indicate weakness, indifference, inattention or apathy. He could sleep because His heart was at rest; knowing all would be well.
Then the wind increased, threatening to overpower the sail - which would have been shortened. The waves also increased and the boat was in real danger of sinking. The disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, could see no way out of the problem. And Jesus was still asleep. It was a real test to see what they would do, for certainly the presence of the Son of God has not prevented the problem. In years to come they would encounter many different sorts of life-threatening circumstances; then they would remember their helplessness and the unnecessary terror they felt before Jesus intervened, so that when it happened again, they would put their faith in Jesus.
The Christian life is not easy. God never said it would be and Jesus often warned of hardship and persecution. Some people wrongly think that conversion will remove every difficulty; but as with the disciples, Jesus will not always stop the problems coming. However He will always be there. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." How often we forget this, and become fearful! We fail to see that each difficulty is a training exercise teaching us to trust Him more next time! Don't forget, if you belong to Jesus, He is committed to enabling you to handle every problem well; so that you will get the blessing which comes through trusting, and He will get the glory.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for Your love and care, and the confidence I have as I trust in Jesus. Although I would like all the problems to go away, thank You for trusting me with a series of training exercises which are designed to build up my faith. Please forgive me when I complain about difficulties, instead of looking to You and trusting that You will know how to deal with them; because I know that Your power is so great and You are always willing to work with me. May my colleagues at work see what real faith is like, as I face the challenges which You allow to come into my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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