Always Ready

One day about that time, as he and his disciples were out in a boat, he suggested that they cross to the other side of the lake. On the way across he lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.

They rushed over and woke him up. "Master, Master, we are sinking!" they screamed.

So he spoke to the storm: "Quiet down," he said, and the wind and waves subsided and all was calm! Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?"

And they were filled with awe and fear of him and said to one another, "Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?" Luke 8: 22-25 (TLB)

Anthony Sims lives in Texas. Growing up in the southwestern United States, they knew that they would have to deal with severe weather from time to time. It could be in the form of a drought or a fierce thunderstorm. Sometimes the storms would produce a tornado. One minute you could be standing in the middle of a clear and sunny day, then all of a sudden a dangerous storm would appear.

Something similar happened one day when Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on a calm day crossing over to the other side of a lake. A terrible storm arose, so fierce that everyone feared for their lives. While all of this was happening, Jesus was asleep. The others called to him to wake up. They believed that Jesus would be able to do something to help them. Jesus heard their cry, got up, spoke to the storm, and the winds and raging waves became still.

Jesus always anticipated the needs of those who needed his help. And Jesus did in fact have the power to calm that storm. Jesus wants us to know that no matter what storms arise in our lives, if we trust him and do not lose faith, he will bring us calm and peace - even in the middle of a storm.

Prayer: Almighty God, when the storms of life are raging in our lives, stand by us. We know that you have the power to bring calm and safety, in Jesus' name. Amen.