The God of our storms

Beth Fitzgerald

Central Truth

God is in control of all our circumstances even when we feel like we are on the brink of disaster. He is present and more powerful than any storm we might encounter.

They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm." (Luke 8:24)

A Lamp Under a Jar

16 No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

19 Then his mother and his brothers^{1

8:19
Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21} came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus Calms a Storm

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?”

Footnotes

[1] 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21

As I write this devotional, I am walking through my own storm. I am in the middle of final exams and wedding planning; couple that with all the little extra things in life, and I feel like I'm on the brink of capsizing.

I think that's exactly how the disciples felt when they went to wake Jesus. They cried out to Him, "We are perishing!" I find it interesting that it was Jesus who suggested they go to the other side—His assurance about His destination. When things got bad enough, however, they began to doubt God's plan was good and that it would be accomplished. They forgot they had God in the flesh in their boat, and they gave in to fear and doubt.

When I find myself doubting God's plan, I often ask, "Why would He bring me to this place if He knew it was going to be like this?" Among other things, I struggle to see how God can provide for me financially as a student when the numbers don't seem to add up. As my (future) husband and I are working to combine finances, I just can't see how things will work. I fail to remember that it was God who called me back to grad school and also into marriage. This is God's plan, and it's good. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." This is true for all situations whether with finances, relationships, health, etc.

The truth is, I am just as secure in this storm as I am when the waters are calm. Why? Because God is the same powerful, able God in both. He is not only present, but He's active even when I don't see or feel it. He is more than able to calm any storm no matter how big or scary it may be. He may not always take me out of those waters, but He can calm my heart.

1. Which do you find yourself in currently: The storm or the calm? Can you trust that God is the same God of both?

2. Have there been times when you have felt the storm is too strong to trust God?

3. What does it practically look like to trust God and His promises rather than your fears?

4. What truth about God can provide you with security and peace amidst circumstances?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What started happening while Jesus and the disciples were in the boat? How do you think the disciples were feeling? Who did they go tell what they were afraid of? How did Jesus respond?

2. When you have “storms raging” in your life, who do you go to? God might not always stop the “storm”, but He is always there to give you peace and will always be with you.