Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 8, 2024
Matthew 8:23-27
23 When Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A huge storm arose on the lake so that waves were sloshing over the boat. But Jesus was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you people of weak faith?” Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the lake, and there was a great calm. 27 The people were amazed and said, “What kind of person is this? Even the winds and the lake obey him!”
Good Morning! Happy are those who are merciful, for they will be given mercy.
The idea of faith keeps popping up in my thoughts this week. Last week, we looked at the father who said, “I have faith. Help me in my lack of faith!” Today, we have the passage where the disciples were fearful that they were going to drown in the boat while Jesus slept. We also looked at Thomas, who doubted the story the other disciples shared about seeing Jesus.
I have experienced all of these in my life. I remember times when I tried to believe, but my doubts overwhelmed my faith. Most of us would be like the disciples, who were fearful when great waves crashed over the hull of the boat in which they sat.
I remember another story on a boat with one who was fearful. John Wesley was on his way back to England after failing to build a ministry in America. The seas got rough and he was fearful. As he looked around trying to find a way to calm himself, he saw a group of Moravians singing and praising God. He asked them how they remained so calm, and they answered that God was with them. If it was time for them to leave this earth, God was right there to carry them up, but if was not yet their time, God would take care of them. The relationship that was forged in this relationship led to Wesley’s great transformation a short time later.
I believe our faith is a continuum upon which we meander. Each challenge we encounter tests our faith, but each time we conquer a doubt we develop a stronger faith. By the grace of God, we are given many opportunities to perfect our faith.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We have faith, but oh Lord, help us in our lack of faith. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Jesus is with us in every storm.
When the storms of life are raging, God is by our sides! Pastor Liz