Luke 8:22–25 (NIV84)
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
The new student was nervous. She didn’t know what to expect on the first day at a new school. Across the street, a returning student was also nervous, but for a very different reason. He knew what to expect at the school. He could expect lots of homework.
Sometimes, we fear what we don’t know. Other times, we fear what we do know. And Jesus can overcome them both!
The disciples knew these waters. Some of them fished for living on those waters. They knew their way around a boat and likely had been through stormy seas before. But they also knew their limits and weaknesses. They knew powerful storms could sink them in a hurry.
That day the wind was howling. The waves were splashing. The disciples knew this powerful storm was going to sink them in a hurry. And so, they cried out in fear to Jesus. “Master! We are going to drown!”
Jesus knew what to do. He got up from sleeping and quickly calmed the storm with his powerful Word. At that moment, Jesus made known who he really was. He is the One who commands wind and waves. He is the One whose word brings peace. He is the One who calms powerful storms outside of us and inside of us.
When new circumstances have you worrying with fear, let Jesus’ powerful word bring you peace. When familiar circumstances overwhelm you with doubt, turn to the power of your Savior and his known love. He, who lived, died, and rose for you will give the confidence and peace you need.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, there is so much that challenges what I believe and know to be true. Sometimes what I am most afraid of is the change in the world around me. Life is not the same as it used to be. Give me faith in your unchanging power. Let me never question your resurrection. And may that one simple fact strengthen me through an ever-changing world. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.