2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 ESV, Luke 8:22-39 ESV, Psalm 70:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 12:4 ESV
Daily Verse: “and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a wind storm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.” (Luke 8:23 ESV)
LAILAPS (2978): “a whirlwind (squall). Refers to a formidable squall, a storm raging back and forth unstably, breaking forth from dark clouds and accompanied by torrential rains and is translated “storm” in Mk 4:37, Luke 8:23.” [I]
Unexpected squall.
Sailing to Gerasene, the disciples encounter a raging windstorm that petrifies them. Jesus, napping in the back of the boat, doesn’t even notice. Fearful for their lives, the disciples wake Jesus, asking Him to save them.
“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?” (Luke 8:25 ESV)
Storms come out of nowhere, knocking us off our feet. When COVID began in March of 2020, it destroyed one of my businesses. On Friday, I finished the week with a thriving dog walking business and complete clientele list; by Monday, I didn’t. Quarantine meant no one needed me to walk their dogs anymore. Half my income disappeared in two days.
Trust Jesus.
When the winds of life start whipping around you, turn to Jesus. The disciples knew who could help them in their time of distress; the same Savior saves us as well.
Waking Jesus up in the middle of the storm will bring you peace. When life rolls along smoothly, with nothing but blue skies in the forecast, we forget about Jesus. But the minute a catastrophic event happens, we remember God. Thankfully, we serve a God of grace and mercy whose open arms welcome us back into His embrace.
Whatever storm rages around you today, seek Jesus. Pour out your fear and trepidation to God, ask Him to calm the storm. Christ’s response remains the same, He either soothes the storm or relaxes you. Jesus brings peace to us, one way or the other.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 148) Thomas Nelson
