Episode 37: How To Exercise Faith When Our Boat is Sinking
How can we learn to remain calm when life’s deep waters threaten to drown us? How can we better access the peace of God during turbulent trials?
These are two of the questions we’ll be exploring in this week's episode, as we take a closer look at Lisa Harkness’ talk, “Peace, Be Still.”
As I pondered this message, I was led to scriptures that provide insights into how we can experience peace during turbulent times when we want to cry out “Master! The tempest is raging! How can’st Thou lie asleep?”
3 Take-Aways:
1. Jesus is in our boat. He will enter our story; meet us where we are. He was in the boat with the disciples when the storm hit. With His word, He calmed the sea. Jesus has the power to remove our trials, but oftentimes, He allows us to weather the storm so we can gain valuable experience and learn to lean in to Christ.
2. We are in HIS boat. When we are on the covenant path, we are in Christ’s boat. We know where His boat is headed. We have to trust Him to lead the way or direct the path.
3. Faith is how we dispel fear. The mighty winds create the waves that threaten to overtake us. If Jesus calms every tempest, we cannot make it to the Promised Land. So, rather than calm our internal storms, He teaches us how to have peace in the midst of them.
If the disciples really knew who Jesus was, then they would have understood that he commands the elements and they obey Him. When the disciples awoke Jesus on the boat, they didn’t ask Him to calm the sea. They asked Him if he didn’t care that they were about to perish. Perhaps, like the hymn, they wondered “How can’st Thou lie asleep?”
How might the disciples have handled this situation differently if they had more faith?
When WE are afraid, how might WE show the Lord that we have faith & trust in Him?
In 2nd NE 4, Nephi pours his heart out to the Lord asking him to deliver him from his brothers' hatred toward him. But his brothers' hatred increased, and Nephi was warned to flee. Nephi and his people created a new city, planted crops, and built a temple. Nephi didn't get what he asked for, but he got a temple. What a great source of peace!
Romans 14:19 “Follow after the things which make for peace and things wherewith one may edify another.”
Sacred music
Meditation
Reading the scriptures and listening to conference talks
Walking in nature
Sitting by the fire with an inspirational book
Gospel discussions with friends & family
Do One Thing
Try this 3-step process:
Identify source of concern
Ask, “Is this within my sphere of control or influence?
If no, give it to God. If yes, ask yourself, "What action steps do I need to take?" Write down all possible actions within your sphere of control or influence and prayerfully act on one at a time.
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Resources
"Peace, Be Still" by Lisa Harkness
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Visit my website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Music: "Keys of Moon" -- Be Inspired