In Awe of God

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV). Not long ago we talked a little about being surprised by God. As I reread that passage, I was struck by the highlighted verses. After the disciples were "surprised" by God, there was an even deeper emotion, the fear of God! You see, when you and I realize how awesome God is, we will begin to fear Him in a whole new way. It is a reverent, respectful, and holy way. Remember that Jesus told them to get into the boat. They were following His orders. Then God sent a furious storm that threatened the boat and the safety of all the men. Jesus was asleep during all of this. Christ was leading the disciples in a major teaching lesson aimed at growing their faith in Him. And, as you can see, it worked! The disciples saw Christ as they had never seen Him before. Perhaps that is happening to you. As you go through this "surprise" of God in your life, is can be placing you in a closer walk with Him. Is it? You have found yourself somewhere you didn't expect to be. You certainly wouldn't have planned it. It isn't fun. And, yet, you felt that you were in the middle of God's will. You may very well be in God's will, and still be facing a major storm. As we have seen this week, God often sends surprises in the life of a Christian so that we will have opportunity to grow our faith in Him. When we experience His greatness in a new way, we fear Him more, realizing that He alone is worthy of our respect and praise. We begin to trust Him more, because we know that even storms of life obey Him. Next time you find yourself in a God size surprise, a storm of life, ask God what He is trying to teach you. Be patient as He equips you for the battle, strengthens your faith, and molds you more into the image of His Son. If the surprise is from God, it can only be for your good. God is full of "surprises". Thank Him for that fact today!