When Jesus Speaks, Circumstances Submit | Northlands Church

When Jesus Speaks, Circumstances Submit

November 06, 2015 | Jenny Lynn

When Jesus Speaks, Circumstances Submit

by: Jenny Lynn

The Lord always fulfills His promises to us. Tough circumstances only provide an opportunity for Him to display His love, power and faithfulness.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:38-39 (NIV)

How could Jesus sleep through a storm? It was only the disciples waking Him that caused Jesus to get up and rebuke the wind and the waves. How could He sleep peacefully in the midst of “a furious squall [with] waves [that] broke over the boat” ?

We find the key just a few verses before: “That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” (Mark 4:35). After a long day of preaching to a crowd, Jesus gave directions to His disciples and then He went to sleep. Jesus knew His identity and the authority it carried. When He spoke He could rest peacefully, because He knew that His word would come to pass. Regardless of the condition of the waters or weather, He knew that when He said they were going to the other side of the lake that’s EXACTLY what would happen.

Then, after Jesus calmed the storm, He asked His disciples: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The disciples had listened to Jesus preach and seen Him work miracles, yet they still feared drowning even though they had Jesus, the King of Kings, in their boat! Jesus had spoken with His authority as the Son of God, telling His disciples to that they were going to the other shore. No circumstances, no storm, could hinder the plans of Jesus. He didn’t fear the storm because He knew the authority His words carried in the heavenly realms. All creation was made by Him and for Him, and all creation submits to Him. Jesus rested; likewise, we can rest when He speaks.

Often God has spoken promises to our hearts, yet circumstances or storms pop up on the journey to our “promised lands.” We listen to the lie that says, “You will die here and never reach the other side,” and we become afraid. But Jesus, with great love, asks why we are afraid and reminds us to believe. When He says that He will bring a promise to fruition, we can trust Him. Any circumstance that pops up on the way is an opportunity for Him to display His power. It never detracts from the faithfulness of His word.

Rest easy. The words and promises God has spoken to you, however long ago, will come to pass. He speaks with an authority that causes all creation to submit.

Prayer

Jesus, give me a fresh revelation of the authority and power Your words carry.  Settle my heart from the fear that has been thrown at me by circumstances. Help me remember that I am on a journey to the fulfillment of Your spoken promise.  I love you, I trust you, and I declare your power and authority to bring to pass what you have promised, today and always. Amen

© 2024 Northlands Church and Jenny Lynn. Permission to share so long as credit is given.