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An Opportunity to Grow

by Susan Ferguson
3/10/2022 / Devotionals

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV).

Many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles occurred on or near the Sea of Galilee, a lake in Israel prone to unexpected storms. One evening, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set out in a boat, and a fierce windstorm developed as they traveled. Waves were splashing into the boat, and it began filling rapidly.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:38-41 NIV)

On another occasion, Jesus sent His disciples by boat to go before Him to the other side of the lake. After dismissing a large crowd, He went up on a mountainside alone to pray. Meanwhile, the disciple’s boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by waves due to contrary winds. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went to them, walking on water (Matthew 14:25). When the disciples saw Him, they were afraid and thought they had seen a ghost.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:27-33 NIV).

We have more in common with the disciples than we think, for they also had to grow in their faith. Although they saw Jesus perform many miracles, they underestimated His power in their own lives, as we often do.[i] While out in the boat, the disciples gained knowledge about Jesus they could not have known otherwise. They caught a glimpse of His divinity when He walked on the Sea of Galilee. And when the wind and waves obeyed Him, they recognized His authority over the natural world and gained a clearer picture of who Jesus was as the Son of God.

This message teaches us that through life’s storms, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus. We also learn that Jesus is faithful, trustworthy, and can bring us through the worst of storms. Trials and afflictions are part of life and come to everyone. Sickness, financial hardship, or a family crisis are only a few examples. The truth is, no one wishes to face trials and afflictions. However, James 1:2-4 challenges us to consider the good that God can do through them. God can use them to strengthen us, perfect us, and develop patience.[ii] In John 16:33, Jesus said, “There will be trouble in the world but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” When the storms of life come, let us draw close to Jesus and may the God of all grace settle us, refine us, and make us stronger (1 Peter 5:10).

Heavenly Father, we are thankful for the faithfulness of Jesus that brings us through the storms of life. Give comfort to those who are facing storms. May they find peace in Jesus and strength to stand strong until the storm has passed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[i] Mark 4:41 Life Application Study Bible

[ii] James 1:2-4 The Jeremiah Study Bible

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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