"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:37-41 NIV).

Fear is often the result of our failure to recognize that Jesus is the Christ. He is the one appointed by God the Father to bring us safely to our destined shore. Fear is the false belief that Jesus is not on board, that He does not care and that He is not there for you. Fear is the crippling of faith. Fear is faith slipping out of gear and going into reverse.

As I reflect upon recent world events and the uncertainty of our times, I am reminded of how easily we put our confidence in things that are shakable, rather than the unshakeable nature of God's character, purposes and promises. The Scriptures warn us that all that can be shaken will be shaken. The result will be that only that which cannot be shaken will remain. (Hebrews 12:27).

We take so many of our comforts, our freedoms, our technology and prosperity for granted. We easily forget our dependence upon the gracious provisions of God.

We see a lot of shaking in our world today. Economies that were once enjoying unprecedented prosperity are quickly faltering. Indonesia and South Korea have slipped into depression. Russia is about to default on its international loans. Japan is in a state of financial crisis. Eight of their highest ranking financial leaders have committed suicide. A shaking has begun in Thailand. Countries like Honduras, in Central America, have been crippled by fierce storms. Mid-East peace processes take two steps forward and three steps back. Breaches of trust and mounting scandals have eroded confidence in the US presidency. Genocide continues in Bosnia. With great uncertainty in Washington, bombs dropping in Iraq, aircraft under fire in the Gulf, nuclear weapons now being stockpiled in India, Pakistan and Iran, and the threat of technological disruption of the telecommunication, energy, defense, banking, transportation and supply systems, due to the Y2K bug, it is difficult to predict what may be in our future. To think that our false securities are unshakeable is naive.

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). He promises that we can have peace in the midst of the storms of life. He sees the end from the beginning and He eagerly seeks our cooperation to manifest His glory and advance His purposes.

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." (Isaiah 46:10 NIV).

History is directional. It is advancing towards His intended shore. God's eternal purpose is unshakeable. His motives are pure: "I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:24). He is "not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2Peter 3:9). He "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." He has plans to bring us to Christ-like maturity, that we might participate in His family purposes, as heirs in the divine enterprise (Romans 8:29). Not only is Jesus Christ still in business, He insists that it be a family business. He wants to demonstrate His worthiness through His redeemed community, the church, which is the body of Christ (Ephesians 3:10).

Yes, God's will can be resisted. There are real adversaries and threats in life. Storms rage. But we must decide to live by faith or react in fear. You must choose FAITH - (Forsaking All, I Trust Him) or FEAR (Falsehoods Eclipsing All Revelation); PANIC (Positively Appropriating Nothing In Christ) or PEACE (Personally Engaging with All of Christ's Excellency).

As we go into the new year, we need to strengthen our faith muscles, by learning to trust His word, making bold petitions in prayer, joining with Him in what He is doing, believing Him for the complete accomplishment of His purposes.

Onward into 1999,