Monday, April 21, 2008 by Randy

TITLE:
Calming My Storm

SCRIPTURE:
Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26 (NIV)


OBSERVATION:
Last month when we were on the Sea of Galilee, I gave a devotional on this passage. It is recorded in all three gospels: Matthew, Luke and John. As you look towards the west of the Sea, there is a distinct valley called the Arbel (alongside Mount Arbel). There is still a path that marks the road that led from Capernaum (on the Sea of Galilee) to Sephoris and the home town of Jesus, Nazareth. But what makes this valley so intriguing is that it had been called the “wind tunnel. Any storm coming from the west would blow through that valley and hit the Sea of Galilee with enormous force. The lake could be peaceful and then a storm would suddenly arise, with driving rain and gale-force winds. Such was the case when Jesus asked the disciples to go to the other side. Here are a few observations about this incident on the boat.
1) Crises and problems in life often come unexpectedly.
2) They may come when we are doing exactly what God wants us to do (Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee
3) When the storm comes, our faith will be challenged.
4) Jesus is able and willing to calm the storm, even when our faith is wavering.


APPLICATION:
What about my life? I can sure relate to the disciples. A number of times I have felt God has led me to a point in my life, only to face the storms of conflict or disappointment. I’ve asked “Don’t you care that I drown?” I recall one line of an old hymn that reads, “I’ve come this far by faith.” I wish I could say that! However, when the waves start spilling over into the boat, I have usually responded with panic and questions, second-guessing God’s direction. The good news is that God is faithful. I guess you could say “I've come this far because of God’s faithfulness.” Today I praise God for who he is. Even though I have “little faith” he is still willing to calm the storm.

PRAYER
Father, help me to grow in my faith. Forgive me when I doubt your leading. I need you so much in my life. Please calm the storms in my life. I want to know you more and fully follow you. AMEN.