Often we are identified by our relationships with others. For instance, when attending a business function with my husband, I might identify myself to others by saying, 'Hi, I'm Dean's wife.' In the bleachers at a soccer game to another parent, 'Nice to meet you...I'm Dylan and Danny's mom.' Notice, in both instances, it washow I identified myself with another. That is because our relationships to and with others are a good part of our identity.
I got to thinking about that when I was reading Matthew chapter eight, and this scenario of Jesus and the disciples:
Then he [Jesus] got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8.23-27
In life, storms are inevitable.
uHow we weather the storms of life depends
in large part on who we identify with.
(more grammatically correct, 'with whom we identify')
The twelve disciples comprised Jesus' inner circle; they were his closest friends. Naturally when they were worried for their lives in the midst of a storm, they went to Jesus. And as only he could do, he calmed the storm; Jesus Christ, Son of God, had control over the elements, but he did not calm the storm until they came to him and asked him to save them.
Reading this short passage in Matthew 8 this morning made me think about my relationship with the Calmer of the storm. I identify with Jesus. I have identified myself in my heart and mind, as someone who is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe in his power, his love for me and most of all, his character. So, when the storm comes, and if I'm honest, it has come(!). It has been six months since I was rear-ended at a red light, and sustained back injuries that have considerably altered my life. In the last few weeks, that has started getting to my emotions, which is rather unusual for me.
But here's the thing: even when life gets stormy, I have identified myself with the Calmer of the storm. I am, as they say, ALL IN. That would not matter if the Calmer were not able, not willing, and not good. But he is. Yes, God is good enough and he is certainly big enough to handle anything I'm bringing his way and make a change in the circumstances.
And here is what I have been learning, for myself and others-in spite of mood, in spite of grief, in spite of physical discomfort, in spite of our circumstances-God does not change. Who he is-his Identity, his character-can be counted upon.1
uGod's identity-who he is-does not change.
Praying, I asked God to bring to mind scriptures I have memorized that substantiate that these things are indeed so. He did not disappoint. The Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, his faithfulness to all generations.2
God is with me wherever I go. I must know this-whether or not I feel it to be true. His word says it in numerous places, so I can stand on it as truth. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.3
Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, that when he came-and he has-he would be with us, and in us.4 Truth: the Holy Spirit resides within me. I am never alone or powerless because of this truth.
I can stand on the promises of God because he said so. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.5
The disciples frantically went to Jesus in the storm because they had a close relationship with him; because he knew them, he was moved by their request, and calmed the storm. It didn't matter that they were scared and at the moment, faithless-because they identified with Jesus, Jesus acted on their behalf.
With whom do you identify? I pray that you identify, and have a relationship with the One who is able to do more than what we ask or even imagine!6
Look up these verses and claim them as truth for your life:
1 -James 1.17 - look it up- so good.
2 - Psalm 100.5
3 - Joshua 1.9
4 - John 14.16-17
5 - 2 Corinthians 1.20
6 - Ephesians 3.20
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