Central Truth

God is in control of all our circumstances even when we feel like we are on the brink of disaster. He is present and more powerful than any storm we might encounter.

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Reflections

As I write this devotional, I am walking through my own storm. I am in the middle of final exams and wedding planning; couple that with all the little extra things in life, and I feel like I'm on the brink of capsizing.

I think that's exactly how the disciples felt when they went to wake Jesus. They cried out to Him, "We are perishing!" I find it interesting that it was Jesus who suggested they go to the other side—His assurance about His destination. When things got bad enough, however, they began to doubt God's plan was good and that it would be accomplished. They forgot they had God in the flesh in their boat, and they gave in to fear and doubt.

When I find myself doubting God's plan, I often ask, "Why would He bring me to this place if He knew it was going to be like this?" Among other things, I struggle to see how God can provide for me financially as a student when the numbers don't seem to add up. As my (future) husband and I are working to combine finances, I just can't see how things will work. I fail to remember that it was God who called me back to grad school and also into marriage. This is God's plan, and it's good. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." This is true for all situations whether with finances, relationships, health, etc.

The truth is, I am just as secure in this storm as I am when the waters are calm. Why? Because God is the same powerful, able God in both. He is not only present, but He's active even when I don't see or feel it. He is more than able to calm any storm no matter how big or scary it may be. He may not always take me out of those waters, but He can calm my heart.

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Discussion Questions

1. Which do you find yourself in currently: The storm or the calm? Can you trust that God is the same God of both?

2. Have there been times when you have felt the storm is too strong to trust God?

3. What does it practically look like to trust God and His promises rather than your fears?

4. What truth about God can provide you with security and peace amidst circumstances?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. What started happening while Jesus and the disciples were in the boat? How do you think the disciples were feeling? Who did they go tell what they were afraid of? How did Jesus respond? 

2. When you have “storms raging” in your life, who do you go to? God might not always stop the “storm”, but He is always there to give you peace and will always be with you.

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