STEADFAST IN STORMS
Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus responded, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. "Who is this man?" they asked. "Even the winds and waves obey Him!"
Matthew 8:23-27 (NLT)
There are times when a storm can be a beautiful thing to behold. Perhaps while snuggled up inside with a good book by the fire or in the midst of a hot and dry summer. One place I'm almost certain a storm isn't beautiful to behold is in the middle of a lake in a rowboat. When you consider the passage above, it's easy to forget that many of the disciples were fishermen by trade. Storms on the water wouldn't have been a completely foreign scenario to them. But this storm must have been different, as it caused even these trained professionals to believe that they were going to die.
At that moment, they went to Jesus. They woke Him up, and He came to their rescue. They're amazed by His power—who wouldn't be? This story should prompt all of us to consider how we react when the storms of life come. Where do we turn? Social media to vent? Friends and family for advice? Escapism in its many forms?
We should turn to Jesus first in every circumstance. When things are steady, we should praise Him for His provision. When things are stormy, we should rely on His power. He is Lord of all, and all authority in heaven and earth has been granted to Him. Do we believe this? And if we believe this, do we understand what it means in our lives?
If you're not in a storm at the moment, praise God. But storms are inevitable. What will your response be when they come? Decide in advance, here and now, to trust Jesus. To rely on His power and providence over our own agency. He is steadfast, trustworthy, and good.
APPLICATION: Reflect on a time that God demonstrated His power in your life. Thank Him for His faithfulness! Ask Him to help you rely on Him in every season of life.
PRAYER: Lord, You are all-powerful. Help me to trust You in every circumstance, especially the stormy seasons of my life. Thank You for rescuing me. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?