Meeting In The Midst (Mark 6:50)

The disciples were at sea and a storm began to rage.  While in the midst of fear for the storm, the disciples saw an image and believed it to be a spirit, which troubled them even more.  As Jesus called out to them, their hearts were relieved and when he entered the ship, the disciples were freed from distress and fear.

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (Mark 6:50)

In like manner, we face storms of trials in our lives.  It is during these times that God wants to manifest his presence to us.  When he does, a calm of peace will come upon our hearts. As we experience his peace, we enter into a deeper relationship with him.  What we must learn is that during trials we should not so much seek for the trial to end, but to find Jesus in the midst of the trial.  The raging storm may continue, but our hearts will be at peace with The Lord.  Did not the Hebrew children experience the Son of Man's presence in the furnace?  In like manner, God wants to meet and deliver us.

Peace In The Storms (Mark 4:37, 39)

The waves were rolling high and every effort to prepared for them was useless.  They pounded upon the sides of the vessel, flooded over into the boat and lowered it deeper into the grips of the sea.  Frantically the disciples tried to bail out the water, but their efforts were met with the dismal blows of the storm.  Unless help would arise, the ship would go down and all would be lost. 

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full...

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  (Mark 4:37, 39)

Some 30 odd years ago, my life was in a similar state.  As life pounded upon my empty heart, the swirling sea began swallowing it into despair.  All my efforts towards happiness, were useless.  Pales of success, possessions, and ways of escape were unable to remove the water from my vessel.  Unless help would arise, I would have gone down and been lost.

And then, I finally heard Jesus calling me.  He had been working all the while, but I didn't recognize him.  My sinful heart and religious efforts drowned out the soft tender voice of his calling.  It was only when I fell broken and hopeless that I heard him.  I responded to his call and immediately he was at my side.  He lifted me from the storm and placed me upon a solid rock in the midst of the waves.  No longer could they flood my upon heart.  As they dashed upon the rock upon which I was placed, I experienced no fear.  The storm clouds parted and rays of God's shining love brought warmth to my heart.  The storms of life were still all around me, but as peace and calm are in the eye of the storm, I enjoyed a similar peace and calm in the eye of his care.  For over 30 years , he still brings peace in the midst of my storms.

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