The Necessity of Storms

A few weeks back I wrote, “Information without Implementation leads to devastation.” This past week all of us were bombarded with information, but what we do with this will determine our future. With all of this information, I hope you will choose to implement some tactics immediately.

Many of us returned to our homes and offices and became fully aware of the storms, winds, and rains that we are actually in. All of these are a natural part of life for which God has (and is) preparing us.

There is a story in the Bible about Jesus and his disciples all being in a boat crossing the lake after a full day or so of absolutely wonderful ministry. Luke chapter 8 is filled with success stories about Jesus. The sick were healed, the sinful were forgiven, and the disciples were taught deep truth about the Kingdom of God. They all piled into the boat and Jesus laid down to take a nap. Then, the Bible says,

But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.  Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:22-25)

It’s interesting to note that in the very next chapter more storms start and it is there that Jesus tells them the cost of following him, when he said

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Look at the simple, clear, and direct steps Jesus tells them they have to take.

1. Give Up your own life. This means being fully engaged in the process. God’s way is better, more lasting, and fulfilling than anything else in life. As you begin to acknowledge your brokenness, and your selfishness, you will see the results. But it begins in surrender.
2. Take Up your own cross DAILY. All of us have crosses to bear but remember the only purpose of the cross was for the ending of a current life. You have to recognize and realize that not everything you have been doing will lead you where you want to go. Therefore there must be a daily dose of examination and implementation of all that you do. Often the very things we are doing are going to lead us to a place of disappointment.
3. Follow me. Following our leader will lead us to a place of ultimate victory. Following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always simple. I would suggest that you begin today to read your bible each morning, pray on your way to the office, and tell someone every day of the things that you see God doing all around you.

Always ask yourself this question: Is my current activity leading me where I want my legacy to be? If not, then implement the changes you need today.