As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” Mark 4:35
Today I want to share with you something I read about the above verse that really sticks with me. Jesus told His disciples to get into their boat and cross to the other side of the lake… FULL KNOWING the storm they would encounter. They obeyed Him and found themselves in the middle of a fierce storm; where the danger of the wind and waves threatened their very lives. In their distress, they cried out for Christ’s assistance.
Sovereignty. We must really grasp and understand that all of our steps are ordered by the Lord – all of our steps. Sometimes like the disciples, we walk straight into a storm. And yes, Jesus may delay coming to us during our time of distress. This is where we need to cling tightly to the Savior. This happens to test and strengthen our faith. He may not come and deliver us for a long time. But doesn’t the waiting make our prayers more powerful? Doesn’t the waiting make the desire for deliverance stronger? And when it comes, don’t we appreciate it more fully? We tend not to take things for granted anymore. We tend not to be so shallow in certain areas of life. Amen?
Jesus said, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” He didn’t say, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake to be drowned.” Of course it is much easier to trust God when the sun is shining than to trust Him when the storm is raging around us. Yet we’ll never realize our level of genuine faith until it’s tested. It’s in the raging storm that we truly see that we are stronger (or weaker) than we think.
I’m reminded of a dream I’ve had… I was walking outside – the sky was a beautiful clear blue with white billowy clouds. The sun was shining on everything and everyone but me. I was the only one walking around with an umbrella. I was the only one with raindrops falling on my head…
From an old article I’ve written Fingerprints of God
In the first three minutes of this video, you’ll hear “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” The lyrics to the song are below in bold italics.
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothing seems to fit
Those raindrops are fallin’ on my head, they keep fallin’
I had the hardest time dealing with this illness. Nothing seemed to fit.
I truly thought my life was over. This is a chronic disease-I don’t get a break; 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week…”they keep falling”
So I just did me some talkin’ to the sun
And I said I didn’t like the way he got things done
Sleepin’ on the job
Those raindrops are fallin’ on my head, they keep fallin’
I did me some talking to The Son. “I hate this disease…Why is this happening God? Are you sleeping on the job?”
I think you can imagine the conversations Jesus and I have had.
Again, this is chronic. I never get a break from this disease.
But there’s one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me won’t defeat me
It won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me
But there’s one thing I know…I can’t rely on my feelings, because feelings change. What God says is fact.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
I am believing, and have faith for a physical healing!
It won’t be long…I will soon be saying, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.” Psalm 30:11
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
But that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turnin’ red
Cryins’ not for me
Cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complainin’
Because I’m free
Nothings worryin’ me
Even though “Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head,” I’ll keep on praising and worshiping! The Bible says, “God inhabits the praises of his people.” Psalm22:3
I will “Cast all my care upon him.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Because I’m free!” I Can’t be any more free than I am; I’m free in Jesus! “Who the Son sets free is free indeed.” John 8:36
What will worrying accomplish? “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7