by Randy Maxwell, vice president for administration
About the fourth watch (around 3 a.m.) of the night, he went out to them, walking on the lake. And He acted as if He meant to pass by them.
Many feel they have no time to “be still” because they are overwhelmed with trying to stay afloat while fighting the storms of life.
Jesus is there; don’t let Him pass by!
Hear Him say, as He did to the disciples, “Take Courage, It is I. Don’t be Afraid.” (vs. 50, NIV) But the Amplified version echoes back to Jesus’s encounter with Moses at the burning bush in Exod. 3:14 and renders it, “Take heart! I Am! Stop being alarmed and afraid.”
What is over our heads is beneath the feet of Jesus.
He strides calmly across the waves and acts like He’s going to walk right past the terrified disciples. Why? Because Jesus will not force Himself on us. They could keep on fighting in their own strength if they wanted, or they could cry out for help.
Take heart! I Am! I Am the alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Courage! I Am the way, the truth, and the life. Courage!
I am the resurrection and the life; Courage! I Am Jehovah Jireh, and I will supply all your needs. Courage! I Am Jehova Rapha—the God who heals you. Courage! I am here, I am love, and I Am with you always, even in this storm.
Jesus isn’t only found in tranquil green pastures; not only in Thomas Kincaid landscapes where all is peace and light. This story shows that Jesus is everywhere His children are—in the rough places as well as in the smooth; in the low places as well as the high; in the sunshine and in the rain.
Jesus doesn’t hide from storms; He walks on them.
Circumstances have no impact whatever on the presence and person of God. They are opportunities for us walk on water with Him.
The storms of life are inevitable. Drowning isn’t. If you find yourself in a storm today, be still. Stop bailing and let Jesus in your boat.
He promises that “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. . . For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . Do not be afraid.” Isa. 43:2,3,5.
Activity Prompt
One of the best ways to "reset" from life's storms: do something nice for someone else. In your family worship time, brainstorm ways you can live generously with the gifts you already have to bless someone else. Then...take action!
It might be as simple as making homemade cards or cookies, or assembling a veggie box or flower bouquet to share, or making an encouraging call or text message. Share your act of kindness with neighbors or someone else in your community. Ask if they have a prayer request, and then pray together.
Lifting up someone else to Jesus lifts your spirits, too!
Prayer Prompt
Lord, Thank You that we aren't alone in the storms of life. We want you in our family's boat. We ask You to be with us as we pass through the rivers, as we bail out our boat, as we travel through stormy seas. We are grateful, Lord, that what is over our heads is beneath Your feet. Amen.
