Quiet, Be Still!

True, abiding faith is far from passive; it is fiercely active. 

When the wind and the waves began to overtake the boat Christ and His disciples were traveling on as they crossed Sea of Galilee Jesus lay sleeping on a pillow, in the stern of the boat.  In a panic the disciples came to Him, crying out, “Lord, don’t you care if we drown!?” (Mark 4:38)

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and the waves and with a loud shout said, “QUIET, BE STILL!” (Mark 4:39)  The wind and the waves immediately died down. 

I wonder, if in that moment the disciples heard the same truth in their hearts, “quiet, and be still”, as they frantically scrambled around on the boat trying to save themselves, all the while, Jesus, in the midst of a great storm had everything under control even when it seemed as though they would drown. 

Abiding faith teaching us to rest in the middle of what seems like an overwhelming storm.  As our hearts run, unguarded, filled with fear, worry, and anxiousness we seek to take over control, forgetting all the while that our Lord is resting at the helm, asking us to join Him there. 

The rebuke of “quiet, be still” was not just for the storm, but for the disciples as well.  In their panic they forgot that their Lord was in total control.  They allowed worry and fear to overtake them.  They become controlled by it and quickly forgot the faithfulness of their God. 

I can totally relate with the disciples.  Far too often, I forget the faithfulness of my God.  I focus on the storm and allow myself to be held captive by fear and worry, quickly finding myself reaching towards the helm to take over control.  Yet, there my Lord sleeps, resting, asking me to join Him there.  If I desire to truly take over control I’ll find myself stepping over him, maybe even, in my panic, kicking him out of the way to grab hold of the reigns of control.

What a stubborn fool I’ve been.  Thankfully, the gospel can make new the most stubborn of hearts.  With humility and prayer I can learn a new way of doing life.  I can let go of the helm and rightfully, give it back to Jesus.  It is hard work to get to this point, but with active faith, working with God for our renewal, we can be made new. 

Father, forgive us, we forget so quickly, that in you, is rest.  You promise to stand with us, to never leave us.  You are a good Father.  May we remember to quiet our hearts and be still in your presence no matter what life throws us.  May stillness be our default and trusting you be where we land.  In Jesus name, amen. 

Following at a Distance....

I'm a lot like Peter.

I talk too much.  I think I know it all.  I don't listen well.

Not to mention, I'll think to myself, "I would never do (fill in the blank)."

Yet, in my sinful nature, I would.

I think the demise of Peter can be found in Matthew 26:58

"But Peter followed him at a distance".....

As Jesus was on His way to appear before the Sanhedrin Peter followed Jesus, but at a distance.  He allowed His pride to say He would never deny Christ and now he lets his fear keep him from following Jesus closely.

Peter got away from following Jesus closely and before you know it, he denies Christ three times.  Three times!  Within minutes of each other.  The rooster crows immediately and Peter weeps bitterly, because he had done the unthinkable.  He denied knowing Christ three times.

In Jewish culture to deny your Rabbi three times was to cut yourself off completely from him.  It was as if Peter was flipping Jesus the bird and saying, "I'm done with you!  Get out of my life!"

We should be careful to say, "I would never."  God just might put certain circumstances in our lives to humble us, showing us that without staying close to Him, without abiding in Him, we are capable of grievous sin.

Thankfully, Jesus restores Peter back into fellowship with him in John 21:15-17.  Jesus is full of grace and mercy towards Peter, even though Peter does not deserve it.  Jesus offers that same grace and mercy for us.  That is good news indeed!

Father, hold me close, for I, Heather, am capable of grievous sin without you.  May I walk in humility, daily, coming as a beggar at the door of your mercy.  In Jesus name, Amen.