One of the oddities of farm life is what occurs immediately after a chicken has lost its head on the chopping block. Without eyes to see or a brain to think, that dead chicken frantically runs for a few moments before dropping dead. There is something unsettling when watching this headless dash! Yet all of us know what it feels like to make a mad dash without sight or a plan before crashing to a halt.
As Christians, that unplanned sprint is synonymous with the flesh, or reliance upon self. When relying upon God in the midst of turmoil, it does not matter what we see in front of us. God is not limited by what we can see! In fact, He is not limited by anything, including time!
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Mark 4:35-41
If God is not panicking in a situation, there is no reason for us to panic. To simplify that statement, understand that God never panics! On that day described in Mark, in the midst of what others perceived as turmoil, Jesus was sleeping restfully. While God does allow trials in each of our lives, any turmoil is perceived rather than actual, for He holds our hands throughout each difficulty. If we had to face those trials alone, turmoil would be more than perceived, but there is nothing too difficult for us to face with God in our lives.
Sometimes, God places people in our lives that need godly advice in the midst of trial. Often, we can see their inability to trust the Lord, and the same trial seems to repeat itself. Yet a great place to begin is a reflection upon our own lives, remembering first that God demonstrated enormous patience with us, and expects us to exhibit that same gift of the Spirit when dealing with others. When our storehouse of patience is running low, we can have the tendency to scream, “Shut up and sit down!” Yet that is not what Jesus had to say. He said, “Peace, be still!” Certainly, Jesus was speaking to the waves, but the same words pertained to the people! Fear reveals a lack of trust in God.
For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
Like the headless chicken, when our eyes no longer can see in the darkness around us, we still should have spiritual sight through our faith in a God who never will leave our sides. That promise does not change when the waves get larger, when we fear for our very lives. Even in the midst of the noisiest storm, we can have the ability to “be still and know that He is God!” Crashing waves may sprinkle a mist upon us, but with God on our side, we always will remain above water! Keep your eyes on Jesus and your trust in the Almighty God!
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14:31-32
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