By Pastor John Mateos Ong
Mark 4:35-38 says, “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”” Jesus wanted to be alone with His disciples and go away from the crowd. While on a boat, a sudden, strong gust of wind came and the waves broke over the boat and it was almost sunk. Jesus was sleeping on the cushions. His disciples woke him up and He asked the wind to stop. Who can control the wind and the waves? The disciples were in the presence of theSon of God but they were still scared.
Did you know that you can interrupt God? Sometimes you feel that your requests are very petty, it does not deserve God’s attention.
Expect storms (even for the disciples) - Many people think that when we experience storms, God is mad at us. Just like the one who was sick and was healed by Jesus; they asked Him what his sin was. Jesus said this did not come from sin;p but this happened so that it could glorify God. When you received Jesus in your life, you probably think you will not have a difficult time anymore. But that is not true. Jesus did not promise a comfortable life. He even told us to expect storms even if you surrender your life to Him. Hebrews 11:36-38 says, “Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.” Christians were persecuted during those days. They kept the faith even when they were having a difficult time. But nowadays, Christians have a difficult time and they turn away from the faith right away. It’s the first thing they do, in fact. The reason why we are here today is because of those people who sacrificed so much. Hebrews 11:39-40 continues, “All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.” They could have asked God for His promises, but they held on to that. They always thought that God has a better plan for them when things go wrong. Storms come but they also go. Our life on earth, no matter how good or bad, is only temporary. Don”t live as if this is your final destination.
Go interrupt Him (cause we never do) - When the storms come, go to God.
How can you interrupt God?
Pray - James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” When you pray to God, you are catching His attention. If you think God is not minding you, your prayer life might be lacking. Have a prayer list. What you are praying for is what you are depending on God for. If you are not praying for something, you are depending on your own strength.
Fasting - Matthew 17:21 says, “Nevertheless, this kind only goes out by prayer and fasting.” Fasting is a tool that we do not often use because we feel it is difficult. How much do you want your prayer to be answered? If you have been praying for something for a long time but it still has not been answered, try fasting. Fasting will work if its only purpose is to interrupt God.
Obedience and righteous living - John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Look at Jb. God knows Him. Righteousness does not mean perfection. Jesus makes us righteous. It is your desire to do what is right.
Reading and meditating on God’s word - Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” When you read God’s word, your mind gets renewed. Some of your prayers might not need answering because you will soon realize that they are really not good for you.
Repentance - 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” There are times when sin hinders prayers. Your prayers are blocked because of sin. Remove the obstacle that is sin in your life.
Worship - John 4:24 says, “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”” Is your worship only on Sundays? We are supposed to have a relationship with God. And if you do, you would be having quality and quantity time with Him. Every. Single. Day.
Fellowship - Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Spending time with other Christians with a godly purpose in the agenda.
3. Have faith - Even if there are storms in life and we are interrupting God, we can still get scared. But faith will see us through. Hold on to that. For in the storms, God has a better plan for you. Psalm 130:5-6 says, “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.” Do you know the job of a watchman? They keep watch day and night, alternating shifts, looking for enemies that might attack in the night so that people will not be surprised. If you are experiencing storms, have faith and wait on the Lord. Until the Lord has not answered, what do you have to do? Keep the faith.
Doubt has different levels. First you ask if God is real. Then you ask if He an do it. Lastly, you ask if He is willing. The first questions His existence. The second questions His power. The third questions His character and His goodness. God is real. God is able. Matthew 8:2-3 says, “Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” God is willing. Are you?