Daily devotion – when storms rage.
(Matt. 8:23–27; Luke 8:22–25 )
Mark 4: 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
As one who has loved the ocean and the waves for most of my life, this story is one of my favourites. It forever reminds me that the Creator of the universe, the one and only true God, has even the powerful seas and winds under His command. Two of the most powerful forces we see in action on earth. He is Lord of all Creation!
Jesus promised each of us He will never leave nor forsake us! If Jesus is in your life, your storm, your boat, it cannot sink! You will not go down!
He has promised to perfect that which concerns you – Psa 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Jesus continued to sleep in the back of the boat as the disciples panicked in the storm. Jesus slept, yes because He was tired, but also He slept with great security!
You may think at this moment in your life you are about to sink. Christ will see you through as we trust in Him – He is in your boat too!
Jesus when He arose from His sleep due to the disciples waking Him, stood and command the wind to be literally – muzzled – “be still”. This is the same command Jesus issued when He addressed demons – could it be this storm was from a satanic attack?
Suddenly, no wind, a complete calm on the Galilee and not only were His disciples at peace, but all the others ships that had been part of this sailing venture were safe too. Others around us are given blessing when He calms our storms as they see His faithfulness to each of us.
It was now teaching time for His disciples – “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
The One who had calmed the storm had allowed the storm in order to teach His disciples to believe and trust His Word.
The disciples were in awe – it is not outward circumstances that you and I have to fear, but the faithlessness that often rises up within us.
No matter how strong the storm may appear in your life, no matter the size of the waves crashing over you, if we love God and are called according to His purpose, all things will work together for good – Romans 8:28.