January 8, 2016:  SOAP #2227:

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 8:22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.  24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Observation:   Jesus said, “Let’s go to the other side.”  Their circumstances caused them to forget what He had said.  Their circumstances brought the confession, “we’re going to drown!”  But the One with them was greater than their negative confession—and greater than the storm!   After everything was calm, He had a question for them, “Where is your faith?”

Application:   When my circumstances are greater than I can handle, I confess my hopelessness.  What is in my heart can be heard in my words.  I am so glad that the ONE with me is greater than my negative confessions.  I am glad HE challenges me to put my faith in HIS word.  HE is greater than my circumstances!  HE amazes me with HIS ability to overcome what seems impossible.  The more I know HIM, my confession changes from my hopelessness to HIS ability!

Prayer:   Lord, the better I know You and Your Word, the more the words I speak will reveal my faith in your amazing abilities. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!