35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
This is the challenge. To welcome everything God gives us in a day. Not just the good, pretty, feel-good things, but everything. The ankle strain of the cheerleader who has a big competition coming up, the husband whose back is bothering him, the dog who sniffs something into his nose and sneezes for 2 hours.
How do I not worry? How do I “Let go and Let God?” I know that His ways are different and better than my ways. It’s just that letting go is difficult. I want to know all of the outcomes all of the time. And also, please can I have things be entirely peaceful, no rocking the boat, for a couple of days?
To be clear, I understand that none of the above problems are a big deal – at all. But they are messing with my peace. How do we keep peace when the waters are rough?
As I read the verse from Mark above I realize that peace comes from Jesus, not from myself. I will continue to try to empty myself so there is more room for Him. When Christ lives in us, we can be Christ to those around us, in all situations.
I have a long way to go. But understanding is a beginning.
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I found Jesus today at the soup kitchen. What an amazing place is Clyde’s Kitchen in downtown Atlanta. It is a joy filled, God full place. I am so thankful that God led me there. I look forward to getting to know the people who work and volunteer there and to serving Christ through serving those in need in Atlanta.
Today I am full of God, His grace and His love. Even on a day that started out rough. He can do what we cannot. I trust you Jesus to calm the rough waters in my soul.
Bound in Love 