When Life Is Out Of Control

Posted by Pastor Pat on October 31, 2009

“ He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.”

(Psalm 107:29)

Have you ever felt as if you have no control over your life?  It is the kind of feeling you get that wakes you up in the middle of the night and refuses to let you sleep.  The emotion you experience is probably the same as one whose parachute is not opening even though every possible chord is pulled.  Regardless as to what you might think and what others might tell you, the ‘feeling’ you have is less than ideal and your emotional stability is shot.  When we find ourselves sucked into the vortex of the storm, what are we to do?

Why is God allowing us to experience a life out of control?  I believe there are at least four reasons why such times visit our lives.

• First, trials come to assure us that we are not in control (James 4:13, 14).

Because of depravity, we have this incredible capacity for unbridled arrogance.  For whatever reason, we actually believe the humanistic reports concerning our development and future.  Whenever we think we have “our act together,” God has a way of showing us just how fragile the best-laid plans are. WAIT! There is more to read… read on »

Why Are You Afraid? How Is It That You Have No Faith?

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 26, 2009

Mark 4:35-41 has a distinct place in Mark’s narrative.  It is intentionally placed just after an extended discourse that explained kingdom ideas.  Jesus has clearly shown from the parables the distinction between children of light and those who continue to abide in darkness.  He has equally shown how the rule or control of God continues to steadily unfold and moves toward ultimate fulfillment with certainty and confidence.

The story before us reinforces these truths.  He is God and has absolute authority and control over all things created.  I believe the storm was a test to see if they learned what He had just taught.  Some tests are “passed” and others are “failed” but all are intentional and purpose filled.

Here is my premise: All of life’s storms are an intentional part of God’s redemptive purpose for us.  Romans 8:28 says that everything works together for good.  The “good” concerns our justification, our sanctification, and our glorification.  The “everything” includes all of life in all of its joys and sorrows.

WAIT! There is more to read… read on »