Hardened Heart; No Spine.....

        How many times have you found yourself in the middle of a situation you tried desperately to get out of but, the harder you fought, the more difficult the situation became? Kind of like quick sand? After all, its in our human nature to go into survival mode when things get rough. Some people call it "fight or flight". Nobody wants to intentionally put themselves in harm's way, especially, when you don't have an idea of what the plan is. The exception to the rule is our military. They enlist, go through rigorous training and, at the end of the day, are prepared to go into battle no matter the cost. However, even they have an idea of what the plan is. They prepare because there is always a threat on the horizon and, if need be, they will fight. They will fight and they will follow their commander because he's been there and lived to tell about it.
       I've been talking with my wife who told me of a friend that is amazed that we are still going forward with our ministry in spite of certain set backs. Insubordination, lies, lack of support, lack of finances and even theft. Our friend said she would throw her hands in the air and use a few choice words as she did so. Where is the reward? Where is the appreciation.
      Mark 6:47-52 tells us that, after Jesus had fed the 5000, He sent his disciples across the lake in a boat where they quickly found themselves in the middle of a storm. They were so caught up, in fact, in the storm that  they didn't even recognize Jesus when He came walking towards them on the water. They thought he was a ghost which further fueled their anxiety. They were so focused on their circumstances that they didn't factor in the possibility that the storm was ALLOWED to happen so the Father would be glorified. Scripture tells us that Jesus hadn't planned on walking TO them but BY them. Upon hearing their cries, he showed compassion and changed his direction and climbed into the same boat they thought was sinking. "Don't be afraid. Take courage! I am here!" There the disciples, Christ's followers, stood with their mouths hanging open in amazement because they STILL didn't get it. All this took place on the heels of Jesus feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.
     How many miracles does Jesus have to perform before we trust Him? When will we realize that He is leading us into a battle with forces that cannot be seen and, as a result, are much harder to fight? Again, I say, EVERY TIME Jesus told his disciples "Follow me.", He led them straight into a storm where they would be tested, tried, tempered and grown to be men of battle.