Matthew 8:23-27
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)
When we had bad weather in my hometown, I would scurry around the house to grab my favorite doll, a pair of shoes in case the house would blow away and we needed to walk over rubble and a bag of potato chips, as the crunching sound drowned out the sound of the storm. Down to the basement I would head just in case the clouds might start to swirl. Watching the Wizard of Oz made me cry. Yes, I was a scaredy-cat!
I’m still afraid of storms, but my faith journey has helped me manage that. I also still love to crunch on potato chips. Some things never change.
What has changed more dramatically over the past few years is how my relationship with God has helped me through the storms of life, the ones that have nothing to do with the weather. Awaiting health test results, losing loved ones and just handling daily challenges are so much easier with God’s help. When I start to feel the waves rock the boat in my soul, I try to find a quiet space to just be with God. That’s when I feel His loving arms reaching down to calm the waters.
All we have to do is to keep drawing closer to God, one step at a time. The wind will still rock the boat at times, but with a strong faith, we can enter the storm knowing everything will be o.k. in the end. That’s the beauty of our Lenten journey. Reach out your hand and imagine God reaching out to hold it, no matter what you’re going through. That is what hope feels like.
Question for Reflection:
- Do you allow fear to control your life?
Prayer:
Loving God, Thank you for all the reminders and nudges you send through the Holy Spirit that faith trumps fear every time. Help us to continue to find calm waters by immersing ourselves in your word, your wisdom and your guidance. Let that be part of our Lenten journey so that the grasp of Easter hope is well within our reach. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment