Bible Lessons via Jacob

"In this world, you will have trouble.

But be brave! I have defeated the world."

John 16:33

One of the endlessly refreshing lessons I've learned by dating a Christian is how God can reach us through other people. 

Tonight, like often before, and I'm sure in times to come, Jake supported me with God's Word. Or, God gave me His Word, through Jake.

While expressing my fears to return home (the major lifestyle change, missing the life I've built here, forgetting Spanish, relearning how to do my life in Chicago) Jake reminded me of the verse in John, which I wrote above.

How true!

Those words alone pacified my heart. 

Still, Jake went on to remind me of this story, when Jesus' disciples were afraid.

"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.

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."

First of all, I love the setting of this story.

Jesus always has a motive, so I can only imagine He knew this would all happen.

I'm sure it was part of God's lessons for the disciples to place this squall on the lake, which serves as a good reminder that sometimes God places a disturbance in our lives for a reason. What tough love.

"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."

I also love this scene because it makes me think of small children, namely myself, running into their parent's bedroom during a storm. The calm Father wakes up and makes everything feel safe again. He's so nonchalant. But then...

"Where is your faith?"

What a catch. I think so many things about this.

I think about how God wants us to be comforted by Him, but not to the point where we become paralyzed by everything else. To the contrary, I know we should face challenges with bravery because we have our Lord with us. This is the kind of comfort that turns you out to face the world, it doesn't hinder your strength and keep you at home.

Jake reminded me that for the disciples, Jesus had even told them where they were going. Yet in the midst of trouble, they forget His word and turned to fear. I know I've become fearful so many times, even after God has told me His plan.

I have no doubt that my time in Mexico was a plan of God's.

I have no doubt that God planned for me to return home (this time.)

But that little transition is sometimes so daunting that it tweaks my heart, sending spasms to my brain, and I seem to loose my confidence in everything.

I have no doubt that God will carry me through. 

I just may have to be reminded.

I am sure God will use my time here as a key influence in my life, I can already tell.

I am sure I will eventually be happy to be back.

Thank you, Jacob Cole, for lovingly reminding me.

I am sure my part in all of this will require much more prayer and faith.

PS: Jesus calms the storm in both Matthew 8 and Luke 8.