How has your week been? I was talking with a friend of mine earlier this week and he shared the challenges of grappling with a litany of unexpected difficulties in his work and life were weighing down on him. Apart from his faith, my friend is unsure how he would have made it through what has proved to be a harder week than most. But by keeping God front and center, he has experienced the Lord’s goodness in guiding him through daunting waters.
In my various capacities of ministering to others, I know firsthand that real people are wrestling with very real concerns, crisis, and conflicts. Individuals are anxious, worried, and stressed. They are dealing with illness, family, and work issues. Living is not for the timid. Who do you turn to when life seems overwhelming? The difference in the responses of those whose hearts are anchored in faith compared to those living in unbelief is striking. While faith doesn’t minimize problems, it does bolster our confidence knowing that we serve a God who is able and willing to help us navigate the stormiest seas.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being so good to me. You are a mighty God who personally engages with your people, helping them journey through the challenges and difficulties of this life. God, I thank you for waking me up clean and sober today. My recovery is not something I take for granted, but a choice I make each day as I seek to follow You faithfully and obediently. Lord, forgive me for where I fall short. I am still a work-in-progress. Let me cling to You and stand steadfast in the truth of Your Word. When I am at my weakest, You are strong. You are bigger than any battle any of us are facing. Thank You, Lord, for being the King of my heart. Amen.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 