Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
Yesterday was possibly the most terrifying day of my life. After a busy day, Jesus told us that we were to get in boats and go to the other side of the lake. Unexpectedly, a furious squall come up and our boat was tossed around. The water began to wash over the sides. In desperation, we all tried to sweep the water out of the boat. We began to panic that perhaps the boat would capsize from the huge waves crashing over us. Some of the disciples noticed that Jesus was sleeping in the stern. I don’t know how he could sleep through the storm. I noticed the disciples yelling to each other. “Wake him up! We are going to drown!” One of the men shook Jesus and yelled, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Another cried out, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” I was glad they woke-up Jesus. However, I was not happy with the brother who accused him of not caring about us!
Though I was confident that Jesus could help us through his prayers to the Father, I
never expected the next thing that happened. He directly rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately, the wind died down and the water became calm. Many of the disciples were terrified by the authority Jesus had over the wind and waves. Personally, I was amazed, but not terrified.
Sister, how incredible! Do you know what this means? Jesus has all-authority over nature.
Only our Creator God can have this kind of authority. I know that I have been telling you that our Lord is the Son of God. But every time I witness a miracle that testifies to this, I am astonished. I am walking each day with the Son of God, Creator of all things!
Jesus rebuked us for having so little faith and being afraid. It is hard to be free from fear when disaster strikes. Perhaps Jesus knew all along the storm would come and this was a test of our faith. Yes, we failed. But as is always the case, our Teacher was patient. I felt today that he was a bit disappointed in us. Just the same, he continues to persevere and teach us vital lessons about the Kingdom of God. I hope that our faith will be stronger the next test that comes along. Sister, there are many “storms” in life. May we have faith that our Savior is always in control and caring for all our needs.
Saved from the storm, your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
Today’s Application:
The storms of life are difficult. They test our faith in many ways. The disciples doubted many things about the character of God when put to the test. They still did not believe that Jesus is the Creator God who has sovereign power and authority over all things. They even doubted his love, protection, and care when they were faced with danger. It is hard to know what they were thinking. At the least, they believed Jesus could pray to the Father who would then possibly intervene and rescue them. Sisters, the Lord is always caring for us. He is attentive to all our needs. He allows difficulty in order to build our faith, discipline us, and demonstrate His power to bring glory to His name. He has a purpose for good in all that happens. He never forgets us, ignores us, or is too weak or uncaring to be there for us in our time of need. He comforts us and brings peace to our hearts when we seek Him in prayer.
If you are in one of those stormy times, call out to Jesus for help. Know that He is all-powerful and has ultimate authority over all things, all people, all leaders of nations, and all the powers of darkness. Take comfort in Psalm 46 which says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, thou
gh the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging . . . Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10).
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