James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. "Teacher," they said, "we want You to do for us whatever we ask." — Mark 10:35 |
Perhaps you've heard it said that the phrase "fear not" or something similar occurs 365 times in the Bible, one for every day of the year. Clearly, with so many mentions, it is an important topic to God. And yet, it seems we can't get past our fear and anxiousness. In our culture of constant information, the bombardment of distressing news presented around the clock feeds our fear. Maybe we think that if Jesus were just present right here on earth with us, we'd be less worrisome and nothing would phase us. - However, the gospels are full of situations where even Jesus' closest friends were consumed with fear and burdened with worry.
One of the most well-known stories of the disciples' fear is that of the storm on the sea of Galilee. Even though these men were experienced fishermen, certainly capable of handling a boat in bad weather, this storm must have been severe enough to threaten their lives. All the while, Jesus was lying there, asleep. And they went to Him, saying, 'Save us, Lord; we are perishing'. — Matthew 8:25 After asking them why they were afraid, He rose and rebuked the winds and waves, and "there was a great calm" (v. 26). He could have simply told them not to worry; He was there. His presence would be enough. But this storm was greater than the usual ones they had faced. And they were afraid. Perhaps you've been in a situation that seems more threatening than others. Maybe you've had scary diagnoses before, but this one is worse, and you're scared. You've had fights before, but this one seems irredeemable, and now you're afraid for the relationship. Your child has been in trouble before, but this time it's on another level, and your mind can't think of anything except what if? Even though we know Jesus is always with us, it's often difficult to remember that He can handle even the situations far beyond what we've experienced before. We also tend to worry and fear when God's timing is not our timing. We call on Him and ask for help, and He seems silent or absent. Jesus' dear friends Mary and Martha experienced this when they sent word to Jesus that Lazarus, their brother, was ill. John recorded that when [Jesus] heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was. — John 11:6 That seems like an odd thing to do when someone you love is seriously ill. However, Jesus told His disciples that it was for "the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v. 4). Jesus knew exactly what He was doing — there was a greater purpose for His waiting. Still, it's hard to understand God's timing. Although Mary and Martha had faith that Jesus could heal their brother, they became fearful when the situation seemed beyond hope, when it was too late. |
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Are you feeling fearful today? Do you worry that this recent situation is too big or that it's too late for Jesus to redeem it? Take a minute to consider that by the time the disciples experienced the storm on the sea, they had been with Jesus for a while, witnessing His miracles. Matthew recorded that they had seen Him cleanse a leper, heal the servant of a centurion without even being physically present, and "cast out the [demonic] spirits with a word and [heal] all who were sick" (Matthew 8:16). All this by the time they encountered the storm. If anyone should have been unafraid, it's them. Mary and Martha were close enough to Jesus that they would have certainly seen and heard of His many miracles — healing the lame man, walking on water, feeding the multitudes. However, in the middle of their fearful situation, they, like the disciples, forgot His previous wonders. They allowed fear and worry to overwhelm them and distract them from the truth of who Jesus was. So how do we counter that fear when the waves are crashing against us and death surrounds us? Psalm 77 gives us an answer. After starting with a cry aloud to God, the psalmist declared, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work and meditate on Your mighty deeds. — vv. 11–12 We remember. The Israelites also knew the importance of remembering. When they crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, Joshua commanded them to collect twelve stones for the number of tribes of Israel, so that it would be a sign to them. When their children asked what the stones meant, they would tell them of God's faithfulness. They would remember, just as we remember. We remember the healing God has done in the past. We call to mind His faithfulness in previous situations. Will He always answer our prayers exactly how and when we want? No, but we can trust that He is with us and will bring about our good and His glory. Excerpted with permission from It Is Finished by Charles Martin, copyright Charles Martin. |
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What do you tend to do with your fear? What has God done for you in your own life that you can actively remember to calm your fear? What altars have you built to His faithfulness? Come share with us. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Take a journey to the cross |
It Is Finished: A 40-Day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross |
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+ FREE bonus with your purchase! |
Across forty days of vivid storytelling, It Is Finished offers you a unique and vital roadmap to trace the power and necessity of the cross throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis all the way to your present-day reality. Through forty slices of the story of Calvary, master storyteller and vivid Bible teacher Charles Martin, will walk you back to the cross to look up at it from a different angle each day and ask the Father to reveal to you: - What exactly did he mean when the dying Jesus said, "It is finished"—what was finished at the cross?
- When did what Jesus finish at the cross even begin?
- What does this man's death 2,000 years ago have to do with me today?
- What is God offering at the cross that I so easily forget and take for granted?
- What do I not realize about myself that the Father God has never forgotten?
Whether it is your first, tenth, or ten thousandth time looking up at the cross of Christ, you can trust New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, to wrap an arm around your shoulder, come alongside and walk with you as a fellow pilgrim headed in the same direction and answering the same question: "What will I do with this man, Jesus?" | |
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Exclusively at FaithGateway: Purchase It Is Finished in a beautiful hardcover edition for just $19.55 (35% off) and you will receive these bonuses: - Free printable of the 7 Last Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
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Because before we can celebrate the resurrection, we need to backtrack to where Jesus has been, how He got there, and what His presence there accomplished. And while Satan can't change what happened on that Friday, he has been working ever since to hide what happened there. To obscure the work of the Cross. To avert our eyes. But on this 40-day pilgrimage your eyes will open wide and your heart will race as you discover the answer to the question that can change your life, Lord, why me? Why would you endure the cross and despise the shame, for me? |
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| Son of Man: Retelling the Stories of Jesus |
Experience the Bible come to life before your eyes as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin uses his storyteller's imagination to present the life of Jesus in a way that will engage your faith in new ways. This collection of more than twenty short stories, compiled from Martin's books What If It's True? and They Turned the World Upside Down, draws you into a deeper understanding and love for the Savior. |
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The God Who Sees Online Bible Study |
The God Who Sees Online Bible Study |
Even when we feel invisible or forgotten, God is near. He is El Roi, the God Who Sees. Friends - Jesus has never taken his eye off us. He always knows what we are facing in this life . . . He sees, you, He loves you, and He'll never leave you. Will you join us for the FREE The God Who Sees Online Bible Study with Kathie Lee Gifford and Joanne Moody? Registration is now open and the study begins March 4th! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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