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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
What kind of trials are you facing today? Is there a situation in your life that feels beyond your control? Are you struggling with a relationship with a friend, family member or co-worker and you don't know what to do? Do you feel like a storm has taken you by surprise and you need shelter?
I'd like to share with you the chorus from one of my favorite songs:
With a whispered "Peace be still"
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
Written by Tony Wood and Kevin Stokes, performed by Scott Krippayne
I find so much comfort in the words of this song. It reminds me God's timing is usually different from mine. He does have control and the power to calm any and every storm in my life and yours, but it doesn't mean He will. It is important to remember He is God and we are not. He sees the big picture – we do not.
One of the best illustrations of God's ability to calm any storm appears in Matthew 8, verses 23-27.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27 NIV
Several years ago I was enjoying a wonderful day on a boat with some of my friends when a storm came upon us. It was so sudden and we had no warning. I was terrified. The waves were choppy and the wind was blowing from every direction. There was thunder and lightening. It seemed almost impossible to get any where. I remember being afraid for my life. I knew for sure the waves were either going to flip the boat or toss us out into the water and we would all drown. I immediately tighten the straps on my life jacket and began to pray.
Just like the disciples – I was afraid.
If I had been on that boat I would probably have thought Jesus was crazy if He had replied to me with a statement about "little faith." What do you mean, "Little faith?" I'm too worried about drowning to think about faith. We're in the midst of a major catastrophe and Jesus is talking about faith?
Yet that is exactly what Jesus did. He spoke to them, got up and rebuked the wind and the waves. Immediately it was calm. Why did He wait to calm the storm? Why didn't He calm it as soon as they woke Him? What was his plan? What was His reason? I'm sure the disciples were wondering the same thing.
If we take a look at our own lives, we can see that God doesn't always calm the storms there either; at least not when we might want Him to. Sometimes, it seems as though He doesn't do anything. He has the power to, so why doesn't He?
If we look to James 1, verses 2-4, one reason He might not calm the storm is to teach us perseverance. From this passage, it is obvious God wants us to learn to be steadfast, even in the face of opposition. It is a sign of our spiritual maturity.
Another reason He might not calm a storm is in order to increase our faith. He wants us to rely on Him and know He is in control regardless of the situation or circumstance. Sometimes the testing of our faith can be a long process. However, God is willing to do whatever is necessary to bring us to a point where no matter what; we know He is in charge.
I also know from experience, that when the winds and waves are raging, it makes sense to turn to God – because it is in those moments I realize just how helpless I am. He wants each of us to turn to Him, and Him alone. He wants us to trust Him, to follow Him. Not just when you are in the midst of a storm, but also when life is going smoothly. Sometimes, even when things seem great, He whips up a storm just to remind us that even though we may be thinking we're standing on our own two feet, we still need Him.
I pray you will turn to God in the midst of your storm. He is trustworthy and will never let you or me go. And instead of asking Him why He's allowed the storm to continue, ask Him what does He want to teach you or show you in this situation? Are you willing to let Him use this storm for good so He will be glorified?
And whether or not He calms the storm, lean on Him, trust Him, rest in Him and know how truly blessed we are to have a God who is not only powerful enough to calm the storm, but loving enough to calm His child in the midst of it.
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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