Perspective

Friday, March 27, 2020
 

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. 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. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”  (Luke 8:23-25).


The disciples, close friends of Jesus, feared for their lives that day. Their fear was reasonable under the circumstances, but they were being carried along a path to transformation as storm warriors. The Author of life was on board with them. Jesus knew He was in the center of God’s purpose and that purpose was unfailing in the face of the fiercest storm. When He stood up, He stood in that assurance and authority and spoke to the storm. The men with Jesus on the ship in that storm became the fearless leaders of a world-changing message. The early Church found its commitment and character refined in the fire of persecution. Their ministry laid the foundation on which all of us build. In the midst of it, God gave them a culture-shaping, world-changing revival. We are heirs of their faith.

When natural circumstances looked as if his life and mission would be dashed on the rocky coast, the Apostle Paul was a carrier of the glory. He never lost sight of the mission. He was always confident in the One who had called him. Paul remained faithful in every stage of the journey. He never wavered in the word God had spoken to him. And those seeds of the Gospel, spoken by one faithful warrior, eventually uprooted the entire Roman Empire. Mission accomplished. It is completely unscriptural to view suffering as a sign that God has deserted us. Scripture says sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Jesus’ sacrifice ends in victory and propels us forward to the end of the race with the determination to run for the prize. We are invited to allow extreme conditions to turn our character into something luminous—flexible yet strong.
We are on the threshold of a mighty outpouring across the earth. Be strong and courageous. Stay focused on the mission. Lift up the name of the Lord and release your praise and thanksgiving into the atmosphere. God had a mission for Paul. He has a mission for you and He desires that you fulfill it. As you keep your head and stay on track during this crisis, you will have an eternal influence on all those around you. The Presence and deliverance of God will be ushered in through your obedience and faith.

Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep…They cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven (Psalm 107:23-24, 28-30).

 

Lord, we join with Your saints around the world looking to You in the midst of this pandemic. Your ear is not too dull to hear. Your arm is not too short to save. Hear us Lord! Deliver us from our distress. Save those nations crushed under the burden of this plague. Send help and come to the aid of those serving in the medical field who are overwhelmed. Give counsel to national leaders seeking solutions for their nation. Give researchers seeking cures breakthroughs.

Rise up, Jesus! Speak Your shalom!

In Your name, we bind the spreading virus and plead the covering of Your blood over our cities and nation. We pray for the poor and for developing nations. Lord, be a shield of fire and have mercy on those who have no recourse in this battle.

Lord Jesus, we thank You in advance for the calming of this storm. As You did with Your friends in the boat that day on the Sea of Galilee, bring us to our desired haven. We thank You that those who sow in weeping will rejoice in the harvest. Thank You that hearts are being softened and strongholds broken down. Pour out Your balm of healing. We pray for the Church in this hour. Retool us for this next season of awakening. Prepare and equip the laborers for the harvest. Amen.


We are confident and covering you and yours. Send your prayer requests to us at hotline@chavdaministries.org. Join us online for the Watch of the Lord, and see you ONLINE this Sunday at 10 a.m.

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Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, 3/27/2020