“God did not save you from the ocean to drown you in a bathtub.” ~ Lewis T., St. Louis, MO.
When the waves from the trials and low spots of life slam against your boat amid the storm, whom do you turn? Do you default to your childhood prayers, like a child whistling in the dark to suppress the fear? Or, do you plead and pray from a position of self-centered desperation, reciting plea bargain or fox hole prayers in an attempt to persuade God to intervene on your behalf in the manner you see fit? In our scripture reading today from Mark’s Gospel (Mark 4:35-41), we learn what self-centered fear looks like in the disciples’ hearts. Fear is the lack of faith; for a given moment in time, you become an atheist while enduring the storms of life. A significant sign of spiritual maturity is when you stop whining and start trusting in God in all your trials and storms, regardless of how big or small the storms of life may be. God expects a faithful kingdom response during times of struggle. You are to glorify God and remain confident in God’s promise that God will never “abandon you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and (Deuteronomy 31:6). Fear is the lack of faith. It’s time to stop whining and start trusting God in all your affairs. Why? Because God says so, that’s why! “Ye of little faith” (Matthew 8:6).
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- How does fear impact your life?
- What needs to change to combat fear?
- God is everything, or God is nothing; what is your choice to be?
- Do you understand the amount of potential fear and danger the exists from an unguarded heart?
- How is God’s grace and protection at work amid the storms of your life?
Prayer
I adore and praise my God, who reigns above the heavens. God is the Lord of all things, and before God, all creation is as nothing.
- Eternal Father, it is by your gift that I praise you: the wonder of my making is only surpassed by the splendor and joy of my coming to life in Christ.
- Lord, be with me as I start a new day: move my heart to seek You and my will to serve You.
- Deepen my awareness of Your presence: teach me reverence and love for all that You made.
- Knowing you is to love those You created: let my life and work be of service to all.
Lord God, give me the grace to understand Your Word and follow Jesus wherever he leads me. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
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