40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 8

Focus: Jesus Calms the Storm
By: Warrie Blackburn, Anastasis

Scripture Reference:

“On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:35).

Devotional:
As I read this scripture, I imagine what it would have been like for the disciples in this situation… It had been a long day. Luke 8 says that they were in danger – out in a sinking boat on a dark, stormy night, without electricity or a radio to call for help, at a loss for what to do. The situation was scary.

And Jesus is asleep – on a cushion! The disciples had to wake him. I wonder why Jesus didn’t wake up on His own, but rather waited to be called for help.

Rather than identifying with the sleeping Jesus, I can so relate to the disciples’ sentiment: “Don’t you care that….?”

One would think that the disciples “would have known better” and called on Jesus in their time of need. One would think we would do the same. But I sometimes don’t. Where is my faith? Why don’t I recognize in the midst of the storm that Jesus is in my boat?

With a few brief words, Jesus calms the storm. He can do the same for me! Do I have the faith to believe Him to do it?

The account in Matthew 8 says that the disciples “marveled” at Jesus. How often do I “marvel” at His power and wisdom? How much more often do I try to “save the ship” with my feeble efforts before asking Him to intervene? Why do I battle the storm myself before I ask for help?

I know the storms of life will come. Teach me to be prepared – to call on you when they arise! May my first response be one of faith! Help me trust you! Help me exercise the authority over storms you have given to me. Bring peace into my heart today, no matter what circumstances I find myself facing. Peace! Be still!

Prayer Points:

* Ask the Lord to forgive us for battling the storms of life in our own strength & power rather than calling on Him for help. Forgive us for being afraid when the storms of life rock the boat.

* Pray that we would call on Jesus in our storm, and stand alongside others in their storm.