Lion + LambEsimerkki

Prayer: Father, help me trust You in times of uncertainty. Help me rest in Your promises while storms may rage around me. Increase my faith in every circumstance. Give me peace that surpasses human understanding. Show me more of who You are in today’s study.

The Lion in the Storm

Nature is scary. Mountains are treacherous, the ocean feels bottomless, and possums look like giant rats. We can feel powerless against the forces of nature whenever lightning strikes, a tornado forms, or a hurricane lands. We feel powerless because oftentimes, we are.

Many of Jesus’ disciples were men who spent the majority of their time battling against nature as fishermen. They had to fight the winds and brave the waves to feed themselves and provide for their families. And yet, when faced by a storm in Matthew 8, these men were still terrified by the awesome power of nature.

In their terror, the disciples ran to Jesus, asking him to help in whatever way he could. When Jesus commanded the winds and the waves to immediately calm, the disciples were left wondering just who Jesus was and what power he held. We may not have seen Jesus calm a storm, but we have seen our God move powerfully in ours and others' lives. Jesus Christ has defeated the grave and overcome the world, therefore we do not have to live in fear like other people who do not know him. So when our storms arrive, where do we run in our hearts and minds?

Look in the Word:

1. Look at Matthew 8:23-24. What “storms” are you facing that cause you to fear?
2. Look at Matthew 8:25-27. How did Jesus respond to the disciples and then to the storm? How do you see both the humanity and deity of Jesus displayed in this event?
3. How does this exercise of Jesus’ authority affect your view of circumstances beyond your own control?

What’s Next?

1. Write out a few situations or events that bring fear to your mind and heart.
2. Spend some time acknowledging God’s control over those elements that cause fear. Thank the Lord for his promise of eternal life beyond this world for those who place their trust in Jesus Christ.
3. Ask God to increase your faith so that your attitude and actions can serve as a clear witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ.