Right Where He Wants You
“One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Luke 8:22-25
In this Bible passage, Jesus gave his disciples direction for the next part of their journey. His instruction included getting in a boat and crossing a lake. Sounds simple and easy. In fact, this endeavor for four of them must have seemed ordinary since they were fishermen and have done this activity many times.
Understand, their obedience of getting in the boat and doing as Jesus directed put them right where they were supposed to be. They were in the middle of His plan and had to face a storm. It is a tremendous reminder for us, as we are obedient to Him, hardships still come. Obedience does not remove the trials in our lives. It is through our obedience in those trials that growth and maturing occur.
When those tough circumstance come at us, we cannot miss what is happening. I have heard individuals reconsider their path when they face resistance or a storm. They begin to question the journey they have been directed to travel. Comments like “the devil is closing the door” or “if it is God, it should not be this hard.” First, the devil cannot close a door that God has opened, he is not that powerful. Secondly, walking with God does not mean life is easy, but you are empowered to face whatever comes your way. It is ironic, you had four fishermen in the boat, but they ran to a carpenter to save them. Those fishermen had the ability to weather the storm, in fact, all twelve of the disciples had it in them to overcome it. They just misplaced their faith.
Jesus knew as they crossed the lake His disciples would face a tremendous storm. A storm so great it causes them to fear for their very own lives. But they were right where they were supposed to be, the storm was the catalyst to address their faith. So, as you start your day, consider the lake you must cross, the purpose you have been given, the direction He has set for you. Do not be discouraged, do not be dismayed, and do not be disobedient. You are right where He wants you!