Luke 8: 22-25, “One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. 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’. The disciples were terrified and amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!'”

Jesus was certain of one thing – they were going to the other side of that lake. He didn’t say, ‘maybe’, he didn’t say ‘if we can’. He said, “let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” With Jesus, it was going to happen. Without him, maybe not.

I don’t know what you’re going through, but if Jesus says you’re going through to the other side of this with him, then honey, you’re going to get through this. He is certain. Regardless of how bad the circumstances may get. No matter the struggle. No matter what forces of hell may come up against you – you’re going to get through this with Jesus. He’s never had a doubt because he’s never not been in total control.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Every problem you will ever face has already been overcome by Jesus. He’s already made a way through it. He’s already seen the end of it. And Sis, you’re going to make it to the other side with Jesus. No matter how big this storm may get, if Jesus is in your boat, the storm will be overcome.

But the storm is real and the disciples are in it. This section of the lake was 5 miles wide to cross which means all they can see is water. They can’t see land. The boat the disciples were on with Jesus was likely about 26 feet long, 8 feet wide, with oars and a small sail. This was not a ship, this was not a yacht, this was a fishing boat. In this boat were experienced fishermen who had spent the majority of their lives on this exact lake. They knew this water. They knew this boat. But they did not know this storm.

Scripture says these professional fishermen were terrified of this storm, which has to mean it was a radically bad storm. The boat was filling with water. The danger was real. They weren’t having a freak-out moment for nothing. They were going down. And Jesus is asleep on the boat.

How in the world can Jesus be sleeping? It’s not like there was a private space for him on this small boat. He was fully aware of the waves. He felt the water rising within. He was getting soaking wet. And yet he was so at peace in the storm, he was sleeping. There was absolutely no freak-out in Jesus. There was no stress, no worry – he already knew no matter how bad it looked, they were making it to the other side.

Wow – what would you give for that level of peace in your storms? Let me tell you something, my sister – it’s here for you! Jesus said in John 14:27, “I’m leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

That’s peace that can face the wildest of storms in a boat that’s taking on water and receive rest. Jesus is offering that level of peace, HIS PEACE, to you as a gift. But it will cost you something. Yes, it’s a gift, but it comes at a cost. The cost for this level of peace is you releasing control. You releasing the habit of stress and the addiction to worry.

Jesus’ peace can rest well in a wild storm with a sinking boat – Jesus’ peace can wait for the diagnosis without fear. Jesus’ peace can reside in the turmoil of these relationships without sacrificing your happiness. Jesus’ peace can faithfully steward what is far too little while God makes it enough. Jesus’ peace can be surrounded by the drama without allowing the drama to get inside. Jesus’ peace can look the reality square in the eyes and still see the other side of the lake where you’re promised to go.

This peace is the peace Jesus gives you.

Faith can be in a storm with a sinking boat and not freak out. Your freak out is optional, and Jesus is not impressed when you choose it over his peace.

Here’s the truth about this particular storm in scripture – it was likely a work of Satan himself. What other opportunity would Satan have to take out not only the Savior of the world but every person who was going to tell his stories and change the entire world. They were all in one boat. These waves were an assignment from Hell. These winds were under the direction of Satan. And still they were silenced immediately with one word from Jesus.

Let’s talk about your storm. Some storms are self-created in our own disobedience. That’s how Jonah ended up in the belly of a whale. God told him to go to one place, but in fear he went in the other direction. On his boat going in the willfully wrong direction, a great storm came and Jonah was thrown overboard. He was given 3 days in the belly of a whale to get things right. That was a storm of disobedience.

But this storm the disciples were in this night was not a storm of disobedience. They were with Jesus, literally! They were following his every step. They were listening to his every word. It was Jesus’ idea to get in the boat. This was a storm of obedience.

Understand both happen. If life is turned upside down for you right now, ask – have you been disobedient? Is there something God wants you to change and this is getting your attention? Fantastic – when you know better you can do better and storms help us know better FAST. But maybe this storm is happening while you’re living in obedience. Maybe Hell is coming against your obedience to try and detour you. Will you let Hell win here?

Maybe it’s just life happening to you right now – or maybe it really is a full on attack with the schemes of Hell behind it – no matter what Jesus is in control here! Jesus can calm this storm – but remember this – no matter what, Jesus has already given you the gift of his peace for this storm. You can rest in this. You can still find joy in this. You can know with absolutely certainty Jesus’ plans will not be cancelled and you will get to the other side where he is leading you.

You will get there, and you can have peace while you go!

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