Still In The STORM

As Jesus moved about spreading the gospel, He experienced acceptance from people representing different cities and at the same time, He faced resistance, even from the people of His hometown. Can you imagine that?

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Matthew 8:34 ((KJV)

Still, Jesus never let the treatment He got from the people He came to save discourage Him. He kept going and, in the process, He grew in wisdom, and stature through diverse temptations, and trials.

Life in itself is a blend of various critical processes that shape humans into the best version of themselves. What then happens to people who refuse to go through the right cycle?

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

Luke 4:22 (KJV)

Let’s talk about the Disciples a little bit. From the moment they got the call to service and even their life experiences before that, it was obvious that all of the disciples each had their life stories and processes different from that of the One who had called them to serve.

Though Jesus was the Master, they followed Him as He went through a significant moment of His life, which in turn took them through theirs as well.

A typical instance was when the disciples were all in the boat and the storm was raging hard and they thought the storm was going to sink the boat. They became scared and beckoned on the One they knew as their Master (who was fast asleep, obviously unbothered about the turbulent waves).

[23] And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

[24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Matthew 8:23-24 (KJV)

Jesus stood and commanded the storm to be still, and they were awestruck at the authority He carried that “even the storm obeyed Him”. Little did they know that their experience while on that boat was part of the process to their becoming the Apostles the world reveres today.

It is simple to answer the question about what happens to those who choose not to go through their pre-destined process of life; They go through paths they think are meant to be shorter and more enjoyable routes (which may or may not be), and then they show up at the desired place lacking the required capacity, tenacity and level of resilience for that level of operation.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

As you read this, I encourage you to stick with the right process, the process you have discovered that God has planned for your story.

And no, it is not easy to be the one who chooses to enjoy both the sunny and the stormy days, but you just have to stick to putting your mind on the END part of plan God has for you, not getting tripped up by the details of the beginning parts.

On your bright days, build your mind and feed it with the right ingredients that can make you stay still even in the storm. And on your weak days, remind yourself that destinies are tied to yours and you can’t afford to go wrong.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)