Transformational Tip
In Mark 4, the disciples, some of them experienced fisherman, and Jesus were in a boat at sea when a storm hit. The disciples were frightened, woke Jesus up, and accused Him of not caring if they died. Jesus exerted His power and authority over everything and calmed the storm. The disciples put their confidence in themselves and their knowledge, not Jesus and His character, skills, teachings, promises. Little kids get frightened when they are in their bed and a loud thunderstorm with flashes of lightning hits. They know they have no power over the storm. When their parents come down the hall, one of two things happen. If the child has been obedient to, respectful of, and submissive to their parents authority and power over them, they are confident that their parent has the power and authority to protect them from the storm and they feel comforted and safe in their parents arms. On the other hand, if the child has disrespected, rebelled against, and overthrown the parents power and authority and call the shots regarding privileges and discipline, they aren’t confident in their parents ability to protect them from the storm and are still scared and anxious.
Think about the storms in your life. Are you really trusting God’s power and respectful, obedient, and submissive to His authority in all areas of your life. If so your confidence will be in Him and what he can bring to the table….you will have bold confidence, assurance, hope, and peace in the storms of your life. Dont wait till the storms to trust Him….not because He won’t help you…He will help. Problem is you wont believe it because you have been ignoring Him in non-stormy times and putting your trust and confidence in yourself.
Start now, learn to trust Him in all things. Then it will be easy and natural to trust Him during stormy times!
Prayer
Father, I come to rest in your loving presence. I know this day and the days before me will bring difficulties. It is my human way to try and think my way through these trials all alone. Please remind me that you are with me…that I am not alone in the midst of this storm. I pray that you will send your peace, the peace that passes all understanding to all those praying the Stepping Stones Devotionals. My Lord, strengthen all of us and prepare us for this day…transform their fear and anxiety into confident trust in you, their God.
In Jesus name – AMEN
The Truth
…and he rose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea; “Peace, be still” and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39
2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:2-4
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8