Disruptions in the Deep

It's funny the way we somehow expect that at some point things will settle out and we'll get to sustain that order for a bit. I imagined the disciples felt quite the same when they were on the boat heading to the other side as instructed by their Master. A simple boat ride across they probably thought but no in the deep, there was a disruption. Or what about that other time when they found themselves yet again on a boat but this time with their master when disruption again transpired. They panicked while their Master slept. These accounts often tickle me and act as a reminder of when disruptions happen how I am to respond. It highlights that disruptions are in fact hidden lessons and that when one comes we are faced with two choices...

In the first account and many times in God's word we can see that a disruptions usually comes after an instruction or a command is given so its arrival can be perceived as confirmation that we are right where we are meant to be. Although we sometimes see things differently and miss a move from God. Here the disciples find themselves trapped in the middle of the sea with contrary winds but God's timing is perfect - a reminder that when we walk with God He will walk on water to reach to us. This account is the famous story of Peter's miraculous encounter (Matthew 14:22-31 KJV) - He challenged Christ and the rest is history, literally. Now the disciples had a choice to come out of the boat too but they decided to watch from the sidelines. How many of us are like this? When an opportunity is presented for us to step outside of the boat - the boat in this case can be our comfort zone, or our country/community, a preferred niche etc. we decide to play it safe and not venture out of the boat.

But as we see here by doing that they missed out on being apart of this amazing testimony and historical event. Yes they may have been able to laugh at Peter for losing faith and beginning to doubt what was happening but they cannot take the experience from him nor the new level of intimacy he developed with Christ in that moment. See it is okay to be afraid as long as we bring Christ into that fear and allow Him to work that out from the inside out. They could have all shared in the encounter but fear will cause you to settle for sideline commentary like "aye boy if you see what Peter did" instead of "aye boy if you see what we did today". Stop playing it safe! Trust in the God who walks on water and calls you out to walk there too. This is also the sign of a true leader one who doesn't just want to experience things alone but endeavours for you to experience them also.

Choice one: in the face of disruptions you can either stay in the boat or step out in faith!

The second account is one of my favourites (Mark 4:35-40). I remember praying many prayers to be able to sleep in the middle of storms like Yah did. Imagine being on a boat with the Creator of the Universe and freaking out over a storm while He slept. Why didn't they pattern him? Human nature...but we are directed to submit our flesh to our spirit. When storms come this is exactly what is expected. This account highlighted to me that God will sit in the storm with you, if He is sleeping/resting then we should too. It demonstrated that we must always remember the power of the God we serve. He commands the sea, the waves, the wind...EVERYTHING submits to His will. So, the presence of a storm or what we will call a disruption is often an opportunity for God to reveal Himself. Next time you're in a storm and if you're currently in one I urge you to pattern Christ. Why panic if He has it under control?

And remember storms don't last forever so if you're in one God is waiting for you to settle and turn to Him so He can speak to the disruption. God first addressed the problem before He addressed the disciples. So, when God is quiet He is more than likely dealing with the problem that you are currently faced with. I encourage you to seek God's face and then He'll show you His hand. Seek His face in the midst of your pain, hurt, trauma, laughter, joy, sorrow, disappointment, fear, grief, loss, death and everything else (good and bad). Disruptions don't always look good even when they are. This might be the shifting, the turn around, the transformation that you've been praying and waiting on. TRUST YAH! He knows best.

Choice two: in the face of disruptions you can either pattern Christ or panic!

Blessings beauties...hope you enjoyed this read.