Sunday's Sermon -- How I was moved...

Jesus Calms a Storm

Mark 4:35 - 41 ( New International Version)
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

These scriptures are significant because they tell a story of struggle, doubt and faith. Since I've been in Virginia Beach, I've been visiting the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where Senior Pastor Wm. Darryl Scott delivers Sunday sermons. This past Sunday, his message was appropriate for me, as they often are. It spoke to me and moved me to share it in the blog.

"There is more in store on the other side." was what the sermon was called. I hope the story touches you as it did for me. Here it goes. Jesus said to his disciples to lets cross and go to the other side because he had already made a way. Figureatively speaking - he had already built a bridge that they could use to get across. All they needed to do was to follow him and have faith that they would make it, but they were afraid. They lacked faith, and doubted him... He was so confident, however, that He was in a stern sleep, even through the turbulant storm...

There is a lesson in this story. When in a loosing battle, you have to understand you can't win in your own strenght. While His disciples were impatient, insecure and afraid, they charged him with neglagence. He woke up from his sleep, and asked "where is your faith?" He then, said to the wind and the waves in a calm voice "Peace. Be Still." And, the wind and the waves went to sleep at his command.

What an encouraging story! Another example of the God's ability to perform miracles... I choose to keep following Jesus. I want him to stay on my side. I've shared my testimony with you about my aneurysm experience and my recovery. He is my savior! As I continue to heal, and I'm constantly reminded of how close I came to death after having the aneurysm, and staying in the coma as long as I did, after the surgeries -- I am now awake, and on a miraculous road to recovery!

Yet, I am in debt, and I don't know where I will live because I won't be able to continue staying in my brother's home forever. I need to find a job (in one of the worse job markets in history). I'm still waiting on an answer from Social Security Disability Determination Services to let me know if I will qualify for disability insurance. In my mind, I'm like the three disciples. I too am in a storm. But, there is no deliverance in a pity party... (another jewel I received from Sunday's sermon). I'm confident in my faith that I've chosen an awesome God, and He will continue to be with me as I ride this storm. He is working his miracles on my behalf.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (New International Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.