The One In The Midst Of The Storm
Tuesday, August 4
Matthew 14:26-27 (NKJV)
“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
Devotion
Pastor Franklin preached on Sunday about going through trials and storms that seem to keep coming, one right after another. The winds and rain beat so fiercely that all we can do is keep the boat afloat. And that's when fatigue sets in. Tired and unaware, we become distracted, so when rescue comes, we are unable to recognize it, just like the disciples did. Jesus approached them, walking on top of the water, and they thought He was a ghost!
There needs to be a shift in perspective when we're in the midst of the storm. Our everlasting hope is not based on the possibility that our circumstances will change. It is based upon the unchangeable Person of Christ. He is faithful. Our strength is not dependent upon the longevity of our endurance, but on the One who renews our strength time and time again as we trust Him every step of the way. Our focus must move away from the storm and be placed upon the Deliverer. Then we will recognize the deliverance that is coming. This is our Blessed Hope.
There is an eternal promise Jesus gives us. It is a demonstration of His covenantal love. It cannot be broken because it is an agreement sealed by His own Word and by His own blood: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Essentially, He is saying to us, "I am here. I am not leaving you—not now, not ever."
This gives us confidence when we realize this important truth: the One who is present with us through the storm is called the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Captain of the Lord of Hosts, the King of Glory, and the Bright and Morning Star. This is the One who never leaves.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the promise that You will never leave and that You are with me, even in the storm. Help me to recognize Your loving hand and to have more confidence in Your ability to keep me than in the waves I see roaring around me. I’ll praise You even in the midst of the storm because of Your great love. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
In the Kingdom of God, the place of great victory comes from great surrender. Today in prayer, surrender every burden, every anxiety, and every fear at the cross. Give Him the care of your life. Jesus paid for these and rose from the dead victorious! When you arise from this place, be free in Jesus’ name.
Resources
- God designed us for community. This fall, join a Connect Group where you can build meaningful relationships, grow spiritually, and experience the nearness of His presence through the people He places around you.