MATTHEW 8:27
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey him!”
TO PONDER
Because of its geographical position, the Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden squalls and gusting winds which whipped up the waves to dangerous heights. If ever you have been on a small boat when an unexpected weather change occurred, you may be able to imagine how people may have felt each time they set out, pretty apprehensive I’d say.
The day the disciples set out to cross the lake with Jesus, one of these storms blew up and it seems it was a bit wilder than usual, the disciples worried whilst Jesus slept. Eventually their fear caused them to wake Jesus, he gently chastised them for their lack of faith and then bade the storm to settle and suddenly there was complete calm. For the disciples this was another facet of the man they loved and followed, for us a way to manage the unexpected squalls in our lives.
We spend a lot of time and energy ‘making plans’ from a weekend away to our retirement, and review them until we are convinced that they are foolproof. We don’t consider the unexpected, the squalls of life, and when they happen, our behaviour suddenly becomes a bit chaotic, tossing blame hither and thither, which only adds to the storm. Jesus isn’t asleep as we fearfully flounder, he is just waiting for us to call him. Jesus, who with a few words can calm any storm, is the safe port for us to flee to. Jesus, whose power we too, marvel at. We should have a note above our plans, ‘include Jesus and be sure to make sure he is the one to call on when the squall hits.’
Prayer: Amazing Lord Jesus, I know that you are my safe haven when the storms of life engulf me, but please forgive me, for the times I forget this, I rave about unfairness, and ask “Why me?” and am ashamed by my behaviour. Thank you for your gentle reprimand, “Where is your faith?” that helps me get back on track. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle