Summer At Sea: Week 10 Day 4

Luke 8:22-25 (ESV)

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

In the summer, my husband is a charter captain on the waters of Lake Michigan.  A daily occurrence for him is to check what direction the wind will be coming from and how strong the gusts will be.  He prepares as best he can to help ensure a safe trip for his clients.  However, much like the disciples, there have been days that his circumstances have shifted without warning and required drastic change, and an instant pivot to safety.

As the disciples felt the wind and waves grow to downright terrifying conditions, fear began to take root and their faith was wavering.  They proceeded to wake Jesus and their lack of faith was the first thing Jesus addressed.  Their eyes had shifted to their conditions instead of remaining steadfast on their Savior.

Life can change in an instant.  There are times that no matter how hard we prepare, our own storms arise without warning and leave us wondering what to do next.  We experience job loss, a scary diagnosis, unexpected loss, and so much more.

When that happens, what will you do? Will you allow fear to take control?  Or will you turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who can calm all of life’s storms in an instant?