The boat. The storm. The disciples.
Been thinking much about these guys and their predicament. “There arose a great storm in the sea . . . (Matthew 8:24).
Storms arise. That’s what they do. Unexpected, undesired, unexplained, unnerving. Waves swamp the vessel and the boys in the boat cry out, “we are perishing!”
Wet and worried, their next move matters. Matthew says, “they came to Him.” The sleeping Savior wakes and rebukes the sailors and the storm. Both are calmed, perfectly calmed.
Thank You, Jesus, that when we turn to you, You are our Peace in the storm. Coral Watoto Children Choir: Emirembe Peace in the Storm
The men marvel. “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him.”
Here’s what I’ve been meditating on: this fresh revelation of the Master transforms oh-ye-of-little-faith seamen into oh-ye-of-a-little-bit-more-faith than they had before. They got out of that boat different men. Those shaky sailors stepped onto solid ground marveling at a man they thought they knew, realizing they were far from comprehending Christ. Not a perfect faith, but a growing faith.
That’s what I believe this storm is shaping in me. Not a woman of great faith yet, but at least one who is moving from little faith to a little bit more faith than I’ve ever had before! Progress. Encounters with the Living Lord, growing my faith into something God can work with, can work through. That’s what He wants.
These same disciples who once melted in the rain grew to become mighty men of courage, filled with the Holy Spirit, not holding onto their lives but laying them down, offering them up, dying daily to really live by faith. Now that’s encouraging. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We’ve gotta have it. So, thank you, Lord, for the storms that shake us free from fear and form deep faith within.
For those of you asking for specific prayer requests, please pray for greater faith day by day. Pray also that as Christ spoke to both His disciples and the storm, he will continue to speak so clearly to us and into our storm, giving us peace for decision-making specifically regarding treatments.
As we seek to make these decisions, join us in praying Proverbs 3:5-8, that we will, “trust in the Lord with all (our) heart, and not lean on (our) own understanding. In all (our) ways acknowledge Him, and He will make (our) paths straight.” That we will not, “be wise in our own eyes” but will, “fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Then it will be, “healing to (my) body and refreshment to (my) bones” (emphasis mine).
Radiation is over. Yes and Amen! Praising the Irradiator for this!
Here’s a fun one – just because I know He can: pray that the little white “moons” at the base of my finger nails will return as a visible sign of God’s healing work in my body! Apparently, healthy nails have moon-shaped crescents. (Go ahead and look. I know you’re checking now.) My thumbs have them but none of my fingers do. He spoke the sun, moon and stars into place once before. I’m confident He can handle this request!
Thank you, again, for continuing to pray and fast and let God grow your own faith alongside ours. God is up to something. He is completing that good work He began in all of us just as He promised. Our family is so blessed by you and so grateful for you. God is using each of you to strengthen us moment by moment.
Wow…what a WONDERFUL lesson today! Thank you! Prayed 3 John 2 over you this morning! “Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers!” May our faith ALWAYS increase, until our faith is sight! Blessings be poured out on you and your precious family, Kristen! With love…
The storms surely are strengthening my faith! Jesus didn’t tell them, “Look, friends, you’ve got to have more faith.” He knew their frame, and He knew their hearts; so, He took away the very source of their fear–no lectures! BTW, Krissy, I have moons only on my thumbs–maybe they’re optional. Love you!
Thank you, Kristen. How perfectly timed your insights come in our own life to help in our time of need. Susan and Bernie Dejean
Dear Kristen,
Hi there–while you probably don’t know us, our family knows yours, my children pray for you every morning before school. The Lord brings you to my mind often to lift up in prayer and I check in on your blog every couple of days. I was listening to this sermon and had this overwhelming urge to forward it to you…there is a special song right towards the end… anyway, I hope it encourages you. Thank you for being such a faithful sojourner. May the Lord bless you abundantly today!
http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/i-dont-know-what-i-believe
Maria, Wow! Thank you for passing this sermon on. I hope to include the link in a blog at some point. It has so encouraged me today. I will be sharing it with Kurt and the kids. I found myself saying AMEN over and over. Powerful and true. Thanks for your prayers and for being sensitive to the Spirit to send this to me.
Praying for the little moons this morning!
Kristen,
I want you to know I’m still “in”. I’m still fasting and praying until the manifestation of your complete healing. I recently went through a little storm of my own. Storms are loud and messy. It is hard to settle one’s self and focus. I pictured Jesus asleep in the boat under a covering. My picture was different this time than how I’ve pictured him in the past. The covering on the boat was very spacious and I saw myself crawl right up under it with him. I remembered the scriptures when Jesus said I only do what I see my Father do. I thought to myself, then I’m doing what I see you do Jesus. As I sought refuge under the covering with Jesus, I realized I could hear his voice much clearer. His voice what right in my ear, despite the storm outside. I found rest and peace in the midst of that storm and it carried me through supernaturally. He is so intimate and personal. Thanks for your ministry as you are in the “middle” of the lake. You will get to the other side where there is more ministry to do. I’ve been watching “Healing Journeys” videos distributed by Andrew Wommack (and reading much of his materials) & my faith in physical healing has soared. In fact, I’ve had a revelation that my healing was already bought and paid for at the cross so I have been commanding my body to manifest that healing in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the New Covenant in his precious incorruptible blood. Greater is the One in you than the one that is in the world. Love you guys, we are standing firm on the Word for your healing Kristen, that by his stripes you were healed & made whole!!!
Amen and amen! Love you, my friend. May God strengthen us by His Spirit in our inner man for the journeys He has called us to. Greater, greater is He. By His stripes we are healed. My prayer for you is that as you draw near to pray and fast on my behalf, you will experience His presence and power like never before. Much love!