Calming the Storm

Matthew 8:23  As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.8:24 And a great storm developed on the sea so that the waves began to swamp the boat. But he was asleep. 8:25 So they came and woke him up saying, “Lord, save us! We are about to die!” 8:26 But he said to them, “Why are you cowardly, you people of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was dead calm. 8:27 And the men were amazed and said, “What sort of person is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”

The journey of life is filled with up’s and down’s, sunshine and storms.  Unfortunately we all experience storms in one form or another.  If you’re like me, there have been times I felt like the wind and waves were going to suck the very life out of me.  At that very moment, hope seems as if it made an exit and will not be returning.   Suddenly you grab for any solution just to ease the pain of the storm.  Why do we feel so helpless in the moment?  Because for that moment we realize how human we are and spiritual support seems non-existent.  But, for those of us who know better, (Follower’s of Christ) the next moment we reach for that spiritual strength and we are comforted by the promises that Jesus will always be there for us.

In the scripture, it depicts a beautiful picture our human weakness.  A great storm began and Jesus was asleep.  Those with him became a player in the moment.  They were afraid and even woke Jesus demanding that he save them less they die.  When I read this scripture, it reminded me that they had Jesus right there in the flesh with them; we on the other hand must exercise our faith when in a great storm.  I have learned though, that even if Jesus can’t be seen, he is indeed here.  We must use our faith when we call out to him; they simply went over and woke him; touching him; speaking face to face with him. 

The best part about this wonderful word is that, Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and waves and they obeyed him.  Now here’s the most astounding part; they responded, “What sort of person is this? Even the winds and sea obey him!”  First they wake him in the moment of terror, and then after he rebukes the wind and waves, they marvel at his power.  If we know that Jesus can do anything; we ask him and he does it, then why do we question the result? That question is not intended to insult the men in this scripture but rather it’s intended to remind us that yes, we are human.   Even Jesus knows how fragile we are at times and he knows that there are going to be times when we will need him in the midst of our storm. 

Never forget that he will never leave you nor forsake you, because he is God!  The next time you find yourself in the middle of a great storm just remember, Jesus is in the middle of it with you.  Trust him alone and he’ll guide you safely to the shore.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for helping me through all the storms of my life.  I know that there are sisters and brothers reading this devotional today that are right in the middle of a great storm.  Lord perhaps they are just like those in the boat; frightened and overwhelmed.  But you Oh Lord are a shield around them.  You are always on board with them.  I pray that they will allow you to save them today and just like you have done for me time and time again, you will bring them to a safe place. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Dr. Shelia Isom

High Voltage Devotionals

Experiencing Revival

For more from Dr. Sheila Isom and Experiencing Revival, please visit www.drsisom.org