I was woken up this morning by the passing storm. The storm made me think about the terrible storm we read about in the book of Mark. The disciples were with Jesus on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a “furious squall came up,” the disciples – among them some seasoned fisherman – were afraid for their lives (4:37-38). Did God not care? Weren’t they handpicked by Jesus and closest to Him? Weren’t they obeying Jesus who told them to “go over to the other side”? (v. 35). Why, then, were they going through such a turbulent time?
No one is exempt from the storms of life. But just as the disciples who initially feared the storm later came to respect Christ more, so the storms we face can bring us to a deeper knowledge of God. “Who is this,” the disciples asked, “even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v. 41). Through our trials we can learn that no storm is big enough to prevent God from accomplishing His will (5:1).
While we may not understand why God allows trials to enter our lives, we thank Him that through them we can come to know who He is.
4 hours from now, we will be leaving the comforts of home to embark on a week of transformation with 11 teenagers. We will, inevitably, experience storms and we will, inevitably, experience a God big enough to calm ALL the storms in our lives. Please be in prayer for our group and follow along as we experience this journey of growth together!
Lord, I know I don’t need to fear the storms of life around me. Help me to be calm because I stand secure in You.
Yes, storms will come but your faith in the Lord will carry you through them. We pray for protection and give you this verse.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”