I AM HERE 3 of 7
“This is the THIRD of a seven part devotional series entitled: I AM HERE. The title is an acrostic. Today the letter “M” MASTERFUL PRESENCE. In these incredibly tumultuous times in which we are living, it is good to remind ourselves of these timely and timeless words of our Lord Jesus, Matt 28:20 ..and lo, I AM with you always, [even] to the end of the age. Amen.” It is my earnest and heartfelt prayer that this little series will comfort, strengthen and encourage every reader!”
LukE 8:22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling [with water], and were in jeopardy.
In the 39 years I have been preaching, I have preached and taught from this text (Luke 8:22-39), more than any other. Probably because I relate to it more than any other text. We have experienced many perilous ventures in the pursuit of His will. Yet, I would not trade what I have seen Jesus do with my own eyes, for a life of smooth sailing. My family and I have witnessed His mastery of the storms, time and time again! When it seemed as though the mission was “Mission Impossible”, Jesus arose and rebuked the storm and the wind and waves ceased and my what an incredible calm as we sailed to shore of our next assignment!
Understand that when Jesus said, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake,” they were surrounded by such a crowd because of the miracles that Jesus was performing, that Jesus own mother and brothers could not even get to Him! The cry of the demoniac of Gadara reached the ear of Jesus’ heart. He had to go! The storm they encountered nearly sank their little boat. BUT GOD!
Friend, you may be experiencing something perilous in your pursuit of the calling of Christ. However, if He has told you to cross over to the other side, there is no chance that you will not make it safely to harbor of your assignment! The very same one that said, “Let there be light!” and hundreds of billions of star packed galaxies (per NASA), instantly appeared at His almighty command. No storm or peril can take you out as you trust in the Captain of your voyage! Stay His course, your eyes are going to see great and mighty things that the dwellers of “Don’t Rock The Boat Bay” never will! Never fear, His masterful presence is with you through it all! HALLELUJAH!
Every blessing!
—Tom