“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let
us 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. The
disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to
drown! ”He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm
subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he
asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is
this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke
8:22-25
These disciples who had followed
Jesus more closely than anyone else had an encounter with Jesus like none they
had ever experienced. BUT, it took being frightened almost to death in a raging
storm.
SO, BRAD,
HOW CAN I HAVE A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS?
It is
possible but God may have to rock your boat. Are you willing to let Him rock
your boat?
If so:
1) Live
In His Presence - “One
day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to
the other side of the lake.” So they got into a
boat and set out.
Receive
Him into your life by faith. Know Him as
your Savior.
Have you
done that? Have you received Him as your Savior?
2) Live
In His Purpose – “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.”
Invest
your life in His mission. Be His servant
What is
the purpose of your life? What are you living for? Is it worth it? Is God
pleased with it?
3) Live
Under His Protection -”He got up and rebuked the wind and the
raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”
Are you willing to go into a storm with Him in order to know
Him better?
If you are in a storm, will you trust His protection, will
you cling to His promises and look for His power?
Don’t be
like the disciples: “Where is your faith?”
·
They doubted His awareness – Have you done that?
·
They doubted His affection – Have you accused Him
of not caring?
·
They doubted His authority – Have you wondered if
He has lost it?
Think
outside the storm! Don’t allow your fears and feelings to overrule your faith!
·
Give Him thanks for always being aware of you!
·
Give Him thanks for His great affection for you!
·
Give Him thanks for His great authority over any
storm!
If you asked the disciples whether
having their boat rocked was worth it, what do you think their answer would be?