My Faith Votes | Be Still

Weekly Devotional

Be Still

This week's focus: Confidence

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The sun was bright and the sea was smooth. I took a picture of a small boat that passed by ours. Looking at it now, I can’t help but think about how blessed I was to be on the same tranquil lake that Jesus sailed with His disciples. The water that carried us that day was peaceful and pleasant, but on the Sea of Galilee, things can change quickly:

“Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! "He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. “The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:23-27)

If the past couple of years has taught us anything, it should be how quickly our circumstances can change. Like the disciples on the boat, it’s easy to resort to panic when storms reign above us. As the wind and waves showed a frightening display of strength and power, the disciples realized how inadequate they were and did the best thing they could do: they cried out to Jesus.

Everything Jesus did was intentional, including leading His disciples to the other side of the lake. They obediently followed Him, not knowing a storm was coming. I believe Jesus did this in order to demonstrate how we are meant to respond when the problems of this world hit us hard, fast, and out of nowhere. He offered a peace that surpassed understanding, even while everyone else in the boat panicked.

Engagement brings clarity, so Jesus gave His disciples a front-row seat to understand the might of His power in every human situation. He turned chaos into calm with one rebuke. Instant obedience from the wind and the waves was the result!

Like the storm on the Sea of Galilee, this world delivers problems that hit us hard, fast, and out of nowhere. In the same way, as the apostles reacted with fear and stress, many of us have felt extreme anxiety and worry for the future. May we respond to the crises we face in faith and not react in panic. Jesus promised that no one will exit this life problem-free—that’s the bad news we must accept. The good news is that He is more powerful than any storm, problem, worry, or fear that comes our way. The God who overcame the storm on the Sea of Galilee is the same God who has overcome the world. Because of Jesus, our hearts can be still, knowing He is God.

-Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Prayer Points:

Pray: Dear Jesus, What a blessing it is to know that You are more powerful than any storm that comes our way. With confident assurance in You, we can "be still" knowing that You are God and You are in control.

Think: “If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” - Thomas Watson

Act: Roe v. Wade has been overturned by the Supreme Court! A lot has changed in our nation since that one decision in 1973, but the fact remains that struggling moms and dads will continue to find their way into a local Pregnancy Resource Center scared and looking for help. When a pregnant woman visits a Pregnancy Resource Center, she is often given a gift basket of baby items. A simple pack of diapers can humanize the fact that a baby is growing in her womb. So, let’s give her diapers. Imagine if we each took action in our community with this one simple step! Please join us by pledging, right now, to show care and compassion to these mothers in need...we'll even help you find the Pregnancy Resource Center closest to you in this link. As the body of Christ, let’s demonstrate what it looks like to honor God and uphold biblical values in America. Let it be known that we stand for life.

We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.


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