DAILY READING
REFLECTION
At The Mercy Of The Storm
by Judy Webb
“Suddenly the storm stopped, and all was calm.” V 24b (NLT)
The entirety of verse 24 reads: “The disciples went and woke Him up shouting, Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped, and all was calm.
The last sentence in this text drew my attention, because I realize I am fearful just as the disciples were. My boat is often shaking in a storm of one sort or another. I am learning we all move from one fear, to another, until we stop and call out, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Those days when the water is rising, the boat is dipping dangerously, and we are fearing the worst is about to happen, it is then when we must call out.
When life spins out of control like this, we only need to remember how good our God is. Recall that time in the hospice waiting room when you called out to God because if felt like you were about to capsize. And He said these words to your Spirit: “Do not be afraid or discouraged…for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)
Or that time the mailman delivered that foreclosure notice, or the morning the car wouldn’t start yet again, and it was windy and cold outside. Maybe the fear is from something as simple as the anxiety of slipping and falling on the ice. Fear is real, but how Jesus can help us overcome this fear is also real. Call out, "Master, Master, and He will be at your side and suddenly the storm will quiet".
It is times like this when God moves purposefully on your behalf when you ask, as the disciples did, “Who is this man? That even the wind and the waves obey Him” (v.25) As N.T. Wright said, "Either we trust Jesus or we are left at the mercy of the storm. (N.T. Wright)
PRAYER
Jesus,
You are so good to us. Your word speaks to our insecurities and fears when we turn to it. It is time we realize you are right here in the boat with us. You calm the seas as you calm our hearts. You address our fears as you addressed the waves. Give us eyes to see how the storm has stopped, and all was returned to calm. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
So encouraging and applicable in the current CHAOS. It addresses what can I do...focus and trust our sovereign God.
Life is full of storms. Thanks for the reminder of who calms those storms!