Daily Devotional for Wednesday, January 28

The Crisis of the Storm

“But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy,” Luke 8:23.

Imagine you are one of the disciples on the ship with Jesus. You are taking a simple trip across the Sea of Galilee, and you are riding in the same boat as the Son of God. Having Jesus on board is better than wearing the best life jacket. You know the Lord. You have been walking with Him, eating with Him, talking with Him and learning from Him. You have seen His miracles, like the dead raised back to life (Luke 7:15). You have witnessed His power and authority. You are a devoted follower of the Lord.

How much peace would you have knowing that Jesus is on the boat with you? What did the disciples do when the storm starting rocking their sailboat? Did they exclaim with relief, “There is nothing for us to worry about because the Master is on board?” Did the disciples take this time to sneak in a nap or grab a snack? No, they did not. They panicked. They rushed to Jesus, woke Him up, and said, “Master, master, we perish” (Luke 8:24).

I find it very easy to scrutinize the people in the Bible for their lack of faith. How many stories have you read in the Scriptures that lead you to question why the participants were not more faithful? Why can people not simply trust God? I read a story like this one, and I arrogantly think the same thing Jesus said. “Where is your faith?” (verse 25). But then I remember the storms in my life and how quickly I disregarded the assurances of God that I am given in His Word and by His Spirit. And I remember God asking me, “Chris, where is your faith?”

REFLECTION

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Chris Floyd