October 23, 2018 – Matthew 8:23-25
And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Matthew 8:23-25.
How often we fear what can happen to us? The assurance we have in Jesus to takes away the fear, depending on how much we trust the strength of Jesus. This morning, these words sang in my heart. Not by might, Not be power, by your Spirit, Lord, Send your Spirit, Lord!
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32.
When unexplained noises surround me, and fear threatens to capsize me, I remember these verses in I John 4:17-18. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
Choosing Jesus gives us the perfect peace in this world. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27.
And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:26-27.