I was recently reading one of my favorite passages of the
Bible – Jesus calming the sea (Luke 8:22-25).
As I read it I thought about how Jesus had told the disciples that they
were going to reach the other side. He didn’t say, ‘let’s see how far we can go
and if we can’t make it, then we’ll forget about it.’ No, Jesus said, ‘Let’s go to the other side
of the lake.’ They would get to the
other side of the lake, no question.
After saying this Jesus lay down and went to sleep. The storm came in. Not just a typical lake storm which the
fishermen were used to, but such a storm that they felt they were in great
peril and feared that they would die.
And in the midst of the howling wind, beating waves and frantic movement
all about while fishermen trying to bail the water out of the small boat, Jesus
slept. It wasn’t because He was
unconcerned that the storm had arisen or seemed to be totally unaware of the
terror the disciples were experiencing that He continued His peaceful
sleep. He could peacefully rest because
He knew that they were going to get to the other side, no matter what came up
to attempt to slow them down or stop them.
At times in my life, even though I was confident that Jesus
had called me to something or promised that He was going to do something in
ministry, I have felt that He was ignoring me or was unconcerned that I was
seeing little happen in connection to His promises or call…I have felt
disappointed that it seemed that He was asleep on the job. The Lord reminded me again through this
passage that when He has said that He will do something, He will do it and I
simply need to rest in Him. I am not get
anxious or impatient but must always wait in great faith that what He said He
will do, He will do.
If He has given you promises regarding using you to help to
bring the gospel to your campus and to help develop a movement of students,
administrators and faculty that will make a difference for Christ on your
campus, then you must trust that He will do it. You must trust Him, no matter
how great the storm is all around and no matter how sound asleep He may seem
right now! If He said He would do it, He
will do it!
During the upcoming holidays, please take some time to ask
God to show you His promises for you this coming semester. Ask Him to place His plans in your mind and
on your heart and direct you to do what will best bring about His glory on your
campus. Continue to ask Him to lead you
to other believers at your campus to whom He has given the same call, the same
dream for making His Name known among your classmates.
Even though we are taking a break from the coaching tips
until the beginning of next semester, I will stay in touch with you with
details about the Winter Bible Conference.
As soon as I know more details about the cost and the possibility of
some of the travel expenses being paid for I will contact you. I hope to see you there. Continue in prayer that the Lord will provide
the finances for you to go! Raising funds
for conferences will guide you in
seeking financial support from others for the conference.
Good luck on your tests.
Enjoy the holidays!