I am fascinated by water. But not to the point where I love swimming or sitting on the beach for hours. I will joyfully watch from afar…lol.

I learned early in life that water was to be enjoyed and respected. I was amazed the first time I saw waves rushing to shore on Lake Michigan and the very first time I saw waves in the ocean and two distinct colors of water, I was awe struck.

The ocean was savage--both beautiful and destructive, life giving and deadly, a playmate and potential enemy.

This made me think of the disciples who were on the boat with Jesus, they likely had a similar attitude toward the Sea of Galilee.

“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 (Luke 8:22). This was not the first time they made this short journey. Weary from ministering to so many people, Jesus settles in for a nap.

The Sea of Galilee is known for its violent storm. One minute can bring blue skies, the next fierce winds, and torrential rains. The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills with steep sides, and cold air rushing over the edges colliding with warmer air around the water, causing waves as high as ten feet. Beautiful to see but terrifying to be in midst of.

As Jesus was napping, a windstorm arose, and water begins to fill the boat (Luke 8:23). The disciples start to panic thinking they were going to die. They begin to question where Jesus was and why is He not doing anything. They find Jesus sleeping and wake Him a with fear-filled question: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).

Jesus’ next three words speak to the wind and waves and seems fitting for the hearts of the disciples too: “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). The windstorm and waves ceased, and there was a calm. With confusion and amazement, the disciples ask each other, “who is this man that can speak to the wind and water, and they obey?” (Luke 8:25).

These are the same disciples that have been called by Jesus, listened to His teaching, even seen Him perform miracles. Yet they are still trying to figure Him out. They still have not answered with absolute certainty this crucial question we all have wrestled with at some point: “Is He really truly God in every moment of my life?”

That is the question we often ask ourselves when the storms of life come. Fear, anxiety, the unknown and what our natural eyes see will tell us the answer is no. The boat is sinking. There is no hope; the raging storm will never end. No one cares about us. This is the end.

But that small still voice, the Spirit of the Lord within us whispers yes! God is not distant, even when you do not realize it God is in the boat with you. No matter how violent the storm rages, He will not allow us to drown in our difficulties. God is powerful and He cares about every detail of our lives.

The disciples experienced the complete calming of a physical storm. In this life there will be times of difficulties. Oftentimes the storms calm and sometimes we must find calm in the storms. But we know with certainty these two things: God is God in every moment of our lives, and with Him, we can withstand any storm.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know storms will come in my life, but when they arise, I pray for Your supernatural calm, either by causing the storm to cease or by giving me hope, strength, ruthless trust, and inner stillness in the middle of it. Yes, You are God in every moment of my life, I pray for the Holy Spirits daily reminder of “You are God in every moment in my life” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: Regardless of the severity of the storm, its’ never bigger or fiercer than God.

Psalm 46:1-- God is our refuge and strength,  a very present^[b] help in trouble.

Psalm 94:19-- When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Philippians 4:6-7-- ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7-- Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.