Jesus was asleep in the stern of the boat, asleep on a pillow. The apostles woke Him and said to Him, Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38
As Jesus and His apostles were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat, a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, and it was filling with water. His disciples were filled with fear; Jesus had perfect peace, and was asleep in the back of the boat. The children of God may have that same peace in the storms that are coming against them.
I’m not going to catalog the storms that are beating against the world in general, and the United States in particular, but it should be obvious to most that wickedness is flooding this world and it is a sinking ship. But, according to God’s plan and purpose, the present heavens and earth are destined to be destroyed, and that by fire.
“…The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with a fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
Wickedness and deception are in overdrive both, outside the church, and within. But this too is expected and foretold by Jesus and His apostles. Jesus gave this warnng:
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:4-11
If you read that verse slowly, you will see this: MANY false Christs will deceive MANY; MANY false prophets will deceive MANY; the love of MANY will grow cold. I will say this, that if you take your eyes off the Scriptures, and just listen to someone who tells you words that make you “feel good”; or you just like to listen to music that makes you “feel good”, you are among the MANY who are being deceived.
If you think that because someone is popular, maybe a celebrity pastor or teacher, and you take what they do and say as the truth, without checking them from the Bible, your setting yourself up as being one of the MANY.
Jesus warned His church to, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15
Paul warned the church, “I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among you men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” Acts 20:29-30
The Devil’s agenda is to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus called him a liar and murderer. His primary tool is deception: when he first came to Eve, he appeared as a pleasant friend, there to help her and Adam to become as God. The churches in America are flooded with the same deception. If you are convinced that the “spiritual leaders” you are following couldn’t possibly be deceivers, I would ask you this question: do you base that on their talk and appearance, or on the Scriptures?
Paul wrote about false apostles and deceitful workers, “transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” He said, “No wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
The point I hope I’ve made is this: as a child of God, the greatest storm you’ll ever face is not sickness and death or financial woes; or all the problems the government confronts us with. No, the greatest storm you’ll face is the Devil trying to deceitfully lead you away from your Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Perfect peace comes only from knowing that you are following the Prince of Peace and walking in His truth. Perfect peace comes from knowing Jesus’ commands and obeying them. Perfect peace comes from remaining close to the Father in daily prayer. Isaiah says it best.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3
Brother Bill is a Bible teacher and can be contacted at bboldham@sbcglobal.net




