“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. “ Matthew 8:24 (ESV) Trials have a tendency to sneak up on us like weeds in a flowerbed. We can be living in the land of the familiar and enjoying our daily routine when all of the sudden, we get surprised by an unexpected interruption. Maybe we get an unwanted notice in the mail, or the check engine light in our car comes on, or the doctor walks in the room with a concerned look in his eyes. Life is filled with seasons of uncertainty. Who do you turn to when trials come into your life? The disciples went to Jesus and woke Him and said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” We must give them credit at this point. They knew to turn to Jesus. But, Jesus questioned them about their lack of faith and their pressing fear. Why would they be afraid of anything, knowing that Jesus was with them? Jesus seized the opportunity to demonstrate His power over nature. Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm. The disciples experienced the demonstration of Jesus’ power. Whatever trials come our way, remember that Jesus is our sufficiency. The storms of this life can never catch Jesus by surprise. Jesus is in the boat! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Category: Storms
Categories
Unexpected Interruption
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Matt 8:24 (NIV) Trials have a tendency to sneak up on us like weeds in a flowerbed. We can be living in the land of the familiar and enjoying our daily routine when all of the sudden, we get surprised by an unexpected interruption. Maybe we get an unwanted notice in the mail, or the check engine light in our car comes on, or the doctor walks in the room with a concerned look in his eyes. Life is filled with seasons of uncertainty. Who do you turn to when trials come into your life? The disciples went to Jesus and woke Him and said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” We must give them credit at this point. They knew to turn to Jesus. But, Jesus questioned them about their lack of faith and their pressing fear. Why would they be afraid of anything, knowing that Jesus was with them? Jesus seized the opportunity to demonstrate His power over nature. Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm. The disciples experienced the demonstration of Jesus’ power. Whatever trials come your way, remember that Jesus is your sufficiency. The storms of this life can never catch Jesus by surprise. Release your fear and unleash your faith. Trust Jesus with your life and with the uncertainties of life. He will never leave you and He will never forsake you. Jesus will display His power and enable you to experience His abiding peace. Always remember, Jesus is in the boat! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Categories
Unexpected Interruption
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Matt 8:24 (NIV) Trials have a tendency to sneak up on us like weeds in a flowerbed. We can be living in the land of the familiar and enjoying our daily routine when all of the sudden, we get surprised by an unexpected interruption. Maybe we get an unwanted notice in the mail, or the check engine light in our car comes on, or the doctor walks in the room with a concerned look in his eyes. Life is filled with seasons of uncertainty. Who do you turn to when trials come into your life? The disciples went to Jesus and woke Him and said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” We must give them credit at this point. They knew to turn to Jesus. But, Jesus questioned them about their lack of faith and their pressing fear. Why would they be afraid of anything, knowing that Jesus was with them? Jesus seized the opportunity to demonstrate His power over nature. Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm. The disciples experienced the demonstration of Jesus’ power. Whatever trials come your way, remember that Jesus is your sufficiency. The storms of this life can never catch Jesus by surprise. Release your fear and unleash your faith. Trust Jesus with your life and with the uncertainties of life. He will never leave you and He will never forsake you. Jesus will display His power and enable you to experience His abiding peace. Always remember, Jesus is in the boat! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Matt 8:24 (NIV) Trials have a tendency to sneak up on us like weeds in a flowerbed. We can be living in the land of the familiar and enjoying our daily routine when all of the sudden, we get surprised by an unexpected interruption. Maybe we get an unwanted notice in the mail, or the check engine light in our car comes on, or the doctor walks in the room with a concerned look in his eyes. Life is filled with seasons of uncertainty. Who do you turn to when trials come into your life? The disciples went to Jesus and woke Him and said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” We must give them credit at this point. They knew to turn to Jesus. But, Jesus questioned them about their lack of faith and their pressing fear. Why would they be afraid of anything, knowing that Jesus was with them? Jesus seized the opportunity to demonstrate His power over nature. Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm. The disciples experienced the demonstration of Jesus’ power. Whatever trials come our way, remember that Jesus is our sufficiency. The storms of this life can never catch Jesus by surprise. Jesus is in the boat! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Categories
The Cone of Uncertainty
(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: David Upchurch, Associate Pastor of Young Married Adults, Champion Forest Baptist Church) “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 (NIV) It has dawned on me that I’m getting older because I can’t wait for the weather forecast. One night during this hurricane season I heard an interesting term, and it made me say, “hmmm.” The weather man noted that there was a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean and then used the phrase “the cone of uncertainty.” As it related to hurricanes and storms, the phrase describes that general path and area ahead of a tropical storm or hurricane. The forecasters are using all of their knowledge and technology to guess at what direction the storm might go. Included in all of those calculations are all of the weather variables and shifting conditions. What a great phrase to describe all of the possible scenarios! Life has some pretty crazy storms at times including job cuts and downsizing, natural disasters, relationship stressors, prodigals, economic downturns, terrible housing markets, and doctor’s diagnoses. There is not much certainty in the seasons of life. Think about the many possibilities for these “cones of uncertainty” to make landfall. And imagine the number for each year of life in a lifetime. Add to that number the vast variables within each circumstance. Forecasting those storms is impossible. Talk about uncertainty! However, there is a constant. There is One who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), whose word will stand the test of time (Isaiah 40:8), and who doesn’t change with the season or economy. His love is unchanging and his plans for you are certain (Jeremiah 29:11). God makes the uncertainty live-able and worthwhile. Choose to know Him and He will be your shelter in the storm. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell