Faith for the Journey: Five Days of Encouragement and InsightSample

Day Three: The Power of His Presence

I love the story about the disciples in Mark 4 when Jesus calms the storm. Jesus had spent the day teaching the disciples and those gathered around Him about the kingdom of God. The disciples had seen Jesus perform incredible miracles, raising people from the dead and healing the lame and the sick.

Leaving the crowd, Jesus and His disciples went to sea. A fierce gale of wind blew up and the waves were breaking over their boat and filling it with water. In the middle of this violent storm Jesus was in the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion.

In their panic the disciples woke Jesus and started accusing Him, saying, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” They were amazed by Jesus’ words, His teaching, and the miracles He had performed so far, but they still had no conception of who He really was.

How many times have you found yourself in that situation, swamped by the events around you, thinking God doesn’t care because all you can see is God being calm in the middle of your storm? You have listened to His teaching your entire life, but when the storm hits, you find yourself shouting at God, “Why don’t You care?”

So Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” When the wind died down and it all became perfectly calm, Jesus said to His disciples, “How come you guys still just don’t get it?” They were amazed. It blew their minds. It will blow ours also when we truly understand just who it is we have chosen to follow.

We live our lives with others. One of God’s richest blessings is the people He puts in our lives. However, the most admirable friends, heroes, and mentors are still only human. Jesus is the only one who can provide us with ultimate assurance and security.

Throughout my life, God has ensured that I have never been in any doubt that He has been the active agent in every good plan He has purposed through me. My job has been to trust and obey, regardless of the circumstances or outcome, knowing He is with me.

Response:

In light of the Power of His Presence discussed today, reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's presence amidst a difficult situation. How did His presence bring comfort and assurance to you, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your daily life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the calm in the midst of life’s storms, and for quieting my soul when I draw near to you. Amen.