Day 89: Master of the Storm

Today’s Scripture: Luke 8:22-25

Central Thought: Jesus has power over storms

Storms. Trials. Problems. I don’t like them; none of us do. Yet each day we are faced with circumstances that are beyond us. Jesus said that ‘each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).

One day as Jesus and His disciples were crossing a lake in a boat, Jesus fell asleep. A ferocious storm came, and the boat was being swamped. They were in great danger. The disciples were experienced fishermen, but they were scared. Mark’s version of this story says that the disciples woke Jesus and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38, NIV). Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. He turned to the men and asked them where their faith was.

Sometimes Jesus leads us into a storm. It was He who suggested that they go over to the other side of the lake. Problems and trials are allowed in our lives to help us grow, teach us to depend on God, and help us keep God at the center of our lives. Jesus cares about what you are going through. It may seem like the Master is asleep and doesn’t care, but He’s very aware of what you are going through today. And He cares!

A retired United Methodist pastor and his wife left their home and went to a shelter when Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi. His daughter begged them to drive to Atlanta and stay with her during the storm’s aftermath. There was only one problem: His money was all in the bank, and the bank was not open. He had no money to get to Atlanta.

When people were allowed into their homes to grab a few belongings, the water was knee high. Pastor Jones salvaged a few framed family photos that were floating in the water. Back at the shelter, he took the photos out of their frames to dry out. When he removed a picture of his father, he was astounded as money fell out of the frame with the picture. He counted out $366, enough for him and his wife to make the trip to Atlanta.

Are you going through a storm? Come to Jesus today. Trust in Him. Depend on Him. Relax in His presence, and let Him calm your storm.

Devotional Prayer: Father, today I give You the trials and problems that are overwhelming me. I trust You to calm the storms in my life.

Today’s Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32; Luke 8:22-39; Psalms 70:1-5; Proverbs 12:4