Submission Finds Freedom

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One day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was.And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
The word afraid in verse 40 is deilos which means timid or fearful. This word originates from the Greek word deos meaning to dread.
Have you ever had a glimpse of Jesus who calms the storms, do you still fear the waves and the wind? This semester has been quite a ride on the waves for me, but the Lord has shown and keeps showing me in small ways His greatness in order to increase my faith in Him. There have been plans to make, finances to work through, classes to take, choices to choose from, you name it! But through it all, I can say that I am in a deeper place in my faith and relationship with the Lord than I have ever been before...He is continually teaching me to rest, submit, and obey. It is then that He fills me with His peace, joy, and love...I can "rejoice always", because He is my source of strength and hope. The reward: submission finds freedom...
I no longer have to dread the wind and waves, because I have a refuge! I can now say, "I am thankful for the seasons that seem to be empty for it is then that I am full!

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