Sleeping With Jesus!

So back in April of 2016, my encounter with Jesus in Mark 6 would have a tremendous impact on my life.  I won't use a lot of space in this moment, but I came to realize that the storms I'm facing in life, even if they are created by me, I never face alone.  I came to a firm understanding that He is with me through everything and never does He ever shame me.  Shame by the way, does not come from Him.

Mark 6 is when Jesus sends the disciples out and a storm kicks up and they are afraid of what could come down.  Jesus walks out to them and eventually enters into the boat and is with them...but He was even with them when He wasn't physically connected to them.  Ok.  Check it out for yourself, but it is a powerful story.

Now, when I was wrestling with Mark 6 years ago, I also came to a place of thinking to myself, ultimately what I really desire is to be so close to Jesus that you could find me sleeping with Jesus during the storm like He is in Mark 4.  The disciples are freaking out over the storm and where is Jesus?  He is sound asleep because He is not shaken by anything.  Isn't that the place that we want to be?  Don't we desire to be so close to Jesus that we aren't shaken by anything either!  I mean it, I want that.  The only way to get that is to be close and trust Him at all areas of our lives.  So, in the midst of the storm, not only do I want Jesus in "my boat" with me, but I even want to be so peaceful that you can find us napping together. 

So this morning my mind was blown open watching Passion City Church online and there was a reference that I had never connected to Mark 4.  Acts 12:6 - "when Herod was about to bring Peter out for trial, that very night Peter, bound with two chains, was what?  SLEEPING.  Sleeping between two soldiers..."  Why was Peter sleeping?  Because He had and is with Jesus or He knows that Jesus is in "his boat."  Boom.  Now go back to Mark 4 and while the storm was happening and Jesus was asleep, one of the disciples (could have been Peter) said, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to die? I can hear people stating that comment today in the midst of our chaotic world.  Jesus got up (rubbed His eyes) and rebuked the wind."  Ummm, what just happened?  Then said, "why are you afraid?  Do you still have no faith?  And they were terrified...who is this?"  Haha.  Peter was there.  Now, it would take Peter awhile to get it, but I am so thankful that Peter stayed at it.  Did Peter get it?  According to Acts 12:6, I would say yes.  He was sound asleep waiting trial between two soldiers.  And the beauty of Acts 12, is that God acted.

Well, I believe that is a very good word for us today facing this virus.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and the forever more.  This virus is going to run its course but I am praying that you will find me "sleeping" with Jesus through this.  He is greater than any storm.  He is greater than any virus.  He is even greater than death.  With my job, I have the privilege to not only remind myself, but to remind our people to wash our hands and be wise but at the same time, let's continue to "wash feet" as we usher people to glory as they face death in their last days.  Jesus is in "our boats."  We have nothing to fear.  Be wise and may you and I be found "sleeping" with Jesus.

If you have not asked Jesus into your boat, to be in control of your life and to forgive you of your sins, or you need prayer for something, please let me know how I can help you.  I really am praying that today you make a declaration to deepen your faith in Jesus.  I am praying that you would be so at peace and believe that He is in control that you are "sleeping" with Jesus.  I was so thankful that my heart was stirred today by the Word of the Lord and I'll leave you with this.

David wrote in Psalm 119:164 - I praise the Lord 7x a day.  Think what our lives would look like today if that is exactly what we discipline ourselves to do each day.  Spend more time with Him than the news.  Yes, it is important to have knowledge of what is going on, but boy be very careful with allowing too many voices into your head.  There is only One Voice that you and I truly need rolling around in our souls and that is Jesus who is screaming right now, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

NOW CLING TO THAT and enjoy "sleeping with Jesus" because God is still acting today.  Trust Him and Believe!  Don't lose heart!  Peace!