Today’s scripture: Luke 8: 23-25 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I am sure that I am not the only one who experiences storms in life. Some of those storms seem to hang on longer than others. And if the storms aren’t long, then there seems to be one storm right after the other! It seems so simple when my spiritual advisors say, “Turn it over to the Lord.”
Some time ago I experienced some challenging medical complications. During this trying time I called on a close friend for comfort. Try as he might, he was unable to help me. I even called my mother. Can you imagine — a 40+ year old man calling on his mommy for comfort? Well, I did. I am not ashamed to say that sometimes my momma knows exactly what to say to make me feel right again. But even mom’s encouraging words could not lift my dark mood.
I called my doctor and scheduled an appointment. He asked the usual questions, listened to my usual answers and prescribed the usual medications. All of which did absolutely nothing but numb my body and spirit.
Medications can do wonders for the physical body but I know of only one salve for the human spirit. So I fell on my knees and had a conversation with God. In today’s text we observe the disciples calling out to Jesus. “Unless you help me, Lord, I am going to die.” I don’t know why we have to try everything else first, and then go to God only as a last resort. That may not be your story, but it is most certainly mine. “God, I have gone as far as I can go on my own. The circumstances are worse than I can handle. Master, Master I am going to drown!”
Most comforting about this story is that the disciples didn’t have far to go to call on Jesus. He was on the boat with them. When we have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives he is faithful to be right there with us in all circumstances — we only need call his name.
There is a saying that God will not put more on you than you can bear. I would revise that statement to say that God will not put more on you than you and Jesus can bear! Jesus is with us always, even when it seems that the entire world is against us!
Once the disciples awakened Jesus the first thing he did was calm the sea. Jesus and the Spirit bring peace — peace of mind and peace in your soul. When the winds of doubt are swirling around you and the world is thundering all around you demanding attention, simply call on the name of Jesus Christ and peace will be given to you. And it’s a peace that is greater than our own understanding, a peace to calm life’s storms.
Thought for the day: What storm is raging around you, threatening to capsize your boat? Have you told Jesus that you’re about to drown?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.