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!"
—Matthew 8:23-25 NLT
The biggest issue in this story is not the storm. Just like the biggest issue in each of our crises is not the crisis. It's all about trust. Will we trust the one we follow to provide for us through the storms of life? But more than that, the issue is whether we will trust his protection and care even when he does not appear to be paying attention to our troubles? The Psalms are full of cries of desperation and pleas for God to awaken to the people's plight and quit closing his eyes to their problems. But just as God sustained Israel through the storms of destruction and defeat, Jesus (Immanuel, God with us) will also sustain, protect, and ultimately deliver his followers.
O Father, be near and not far. Hear my cries for those who are feeling broken and defeated and are despairing. You alone can lighten their load and ease their burden. You alone can sustain them through their storms. Please hear their cries and my voice too, as we all offer up our requests for your sustaining and protecting care until the day we are delivered into your eternal presence. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
—Matthew 8:23-25 NLT
Key Thought
The biggest issue in this story is not the storm. Just like the biggest issue in each of our crises is not the crisis. It's all about trust. Will we trust the one we follow to provide for us through the storms of life? But more than that, the issue is whether we will trust his protection and care even when he does not appear to be paying attention to our troubles? The Psalms are full of cries of desperation and pleas for God to awaken to the people's plight and quit closing his eyes to their problems. But just as God sustained Israel through the storms of destruction and defeat, Jesus (Immanuel, God with us) will also sustain, protect, and ultimately deliver his followers.
Today's Prayer
O Father, be near and not far. Hear my cries for those who are feeling broken and defeated and are despairing. You alone can lighten their load and ease their burden. You alone can sustain them through their storms. Please hear their cries and my voice too, as we all offer up our requests for your sustaining and protecting care until the day we are delivered into your eternal presence. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
