SCRIPTURE:
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.’”
Matthew 8:23-26
OBSERVATION:
I’ve read this scripture passage many times before and interpreted it in reconciling that of course it was all about Jesus miraculous power and that it was a great miracle. The men felt that if they did not act or do something, they were doomed, even though Jesus of whom they knew was the son of God was in the boat with them. Might they have approached it differently knowing of the power of Jesus, who He was, and proactively looking forth to what He would do, rather then overreacting? Should they have felt at peace with being in the presence of Jesus and therefore having a confidence of their situation and looking to Jesus for hope and resolution? We know subsequently Jesus calmed everything and chastised them to boot.
APPLICATION:
Most recently, we’ve seen the mighty and faithful hand of God as we prepared for Easter. As you would have it, the storms of problems came, as it often does before major events or services, where the enemy tries to steal, kill, and destroy, with many different challenges in families, relationships, health, ministry, home, and work. Although as you would surmise that the initial realization was the number of storms that hit. I look back now and realize that surrendering each situation to Jesus with faith that He knew the storm and I/we just needed to have confidence in Him quelling and overcoming the storm as we surrendered all to Him … and He did!
I know that my response is sometimes to respond to the storms alone and with my wherewithal, rather than, knowing the power and presence in the name of Jesus. Taking note of what Jesus has done encourages me to surrender, have faith in His will and power, and to learn from the storms I must travail through.
PRAYER:
As I seek You first Jesus, I pray you open my eyes wide to see you, empower my ears to hear You, and grant me to courage to follow You. I’ve done it by myself for so long, and You’ve blessed me…so I cringe to think how much more You will bless when I fully commit to You. Amen
