Matthew 8:23-27 TPT
Jesus Calms a Storm
23 They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. 24 Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. 25 The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!”
26 But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood up and rebuked the storm and said, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm.
27 The disciples were astonished by this miracle and said to one another, “Who is this Man? Even the wind and waves obey his Word.”
Storms have a way of unsettling human and animal creation. In Florida, we face all kinds of atmospheric disturbances; storms. Our sweet dog, Gracie, does not like thunder; she restlessly paces and wants to be held until the storm passes. As humans and believers, we are aware of the spiritual, emotional, and physical storms raging in our culture and world right now. These storms can be unsettling, but we must stay the course with God.
In our passage today, the disciples have Jesus (the God-man) with them in the boat, but they still fear the wind and waves will destroy them. Jesus reprimands his disciples’ intense fear of death and their lack of faith that his Word to save them is true. We are not to fear death, because we are promised eternal life. At times, we may feel unsettled, but we are not to be gripped with fear. Fear is a thief; it robs us of enjoying life. Instead of fear dominating us, we are to allow the life of Christ to have dominion as we pray and seek the Lord for help. We live our lives in wisdom and faith; trusting in the love of God for us and placing our confidence in his power to care for us in the midst of the storms. Fear is a beast that rises up like violent waves; a bully to beat down and overtake your faith. Don’t allow fear to gain a foothold in your life. Take Jesus to your storm!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and power working in my life. The spiritual storms between good and evil may try to unsettle me, but I trust you to take me through every storm for your glory. I will hang onto eternal life and live each day with faith in your love. I will draw near to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.