Movie of the Week
This past weekend we went to see the newest Narnia movie, “Prince Caspian.” As you probably know I am a huge C. S. Lewis fan, and I have loved the Chronicles of Narnia since I was young. The “Prince Caspian” movie was wonderful in every way! I was amazed at the cinematography and the quality of the production and the actors. Most of all I was blessed by the reminder of the powerful underlying lessons which can be drawn from the story.
As we (Curt, Joy who was home from college and I) talked about what we loved about the movie, we each mentioned different aspects which encouraged our faith. Here’s a few life lessons we personally gathered from the story.
God has a plan and He is with us, even when we don’t see Him.
Seek God’s help and direction before running in and trying to solve problems in our own power and strength.
God is both powerful and approachable.
He is ruler over all creation. Even the wind and the water obey Him.
It is in our most desperate moments that we recognize our dependence on Him.
He is our rock and our refuge and our very present help in time of need.
God uses the most unlikely characters for his service. It’s the size of the heart that matters. I adore Reepicheep!
Now I know there are many more life lessons you can take away from the story of Prince Caspian. I invite you to share yours. Most importantly, may we all be inspired to be salt and light in our culture, just as Lewis was. Tell others about the movie and let’s encourage Hollywood to make more great films like this one.
Family Fun: If your kids are old enough, then go see the movie. If they are not old enough I would encourage you to see Prince Caspian with your husband or friends. Curt loved it. The movie does contain some violence and a few scary creatures, so if you have young ones you may want to read the Prince Caspian book instead. Reading the book is a great way to prepare even the older ones for the movie. After you see the movie or read the book, take some time to discuss what each of your family members learned about life and faith and God.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Faith Steps
Recently we added a new puppy to our home, and she is no small pup. She’s a nine month old English Mastiff named Bentley. She’s sweet, gentle and loveable, but she is also extremely fearful. It’s almost humorous to watch her as this giant, 120 lb. puppy is afraid to go through a door, or down a step or across a floor. Not too long ago she bravely followed me upstairs to the second floor of our house. That was all well and good except for the simple fact that she was too frightened to come down the stairs. She just couldn’t seem to figure out how to navigate the first step down.
We couldn’t allow her to live the rest of her doggy life on the second floor of the house, so I tried to gently help her down. All she wanted to do is sit there and bark at the steps. After 45 minutes of coaxing her, I finally got her to take the first step down. Once she accomplished the first step, the second wasn’t too bad. Then the next and the next and finally she was free on the first floor again!! What a relief for us all! She obviously had the ability to go down the stairs safely, she just didn’t have the courage to take that first step.
The Bentley scenario made me think how often I nestle safely in my comfort zone and resist moving forward because I just don’t know how to make the initial move. Sometimes I don’t know what to do, and sometimes out of fear of the unknown I prefer to just stay put. Instead of taking steps in a positive direction it is sometimes easier to just sit there and bark (or in human terms - whine and complain). Certainly there are times to be content where God has placed us, but there comes a time when we must step forward in faith and go where God is calling us to go.
For most of us, the first step is typically the hardest one, as well as the most significant. We hesitate to take that first step because we don’t know what is down the road. Fear of what the future holds, fear of making a mistake or fear of making our new circumstances a reality can seem to stifle us and prevent us from moving forward. Stop for a moment and consider what may be keeping you from moving in a positive direction. You may need to begin with little steps day by day, but the important thing is to not let fear get in your way.
God said to Joshua, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” As we prayerfully follow God’s direction do not be afraid to take that first step. Walk in faith allowing God to increase your faith as you move forward and accomplish what He has called you to do.
We couldn’t allow her to live the rest of her doggy life on the second floor of the house, so I tried to gently help her down. All she wanted to do is sit there and bark at the steps. After 45 minutes of coaxing her, I finally got her to take the first step down. Once she accomplished the first step, the second wasn’t too bad. Then the next and the next and finally she was free on the first floor again!! What a relief for us all! She obviously had the ability to go down the stairs safely, she just didn’t have the courage to take that first step.
The Bentley scenario made me think how often I nestle safely in my comfort zone and resist moving forward because I just don’t know how to make the initial move. Sometimes I don’t know what to do, and sometimes out of fear of the unknown I prefer to just stay put. Instead of taking steps in a positive direction it is sometimes easier to just sit there and bark (or in human terms - whine and complain). Certainly there are times to be content where God has placed us, but there comes a time when we must step forward in faith and go where God is calling us to go.
For most of us, the first step is typically the hardest one, as well as the most significant. We hesitate to take that first step because we don’t know what is down the road. Fear of what the future holds, fear of making a mistake or fear of making our new circumstances a reality can seem to stifle us and prevent us from moving forward. Stop for a moment and consider what may be keeping you from moving in a positive direction. You may need to begin with little steps day by day, but the important thing is to not let fear get in your way.
God said to Joshua, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” As we prayerfully follow God’s direction do not be afraid to take that first step. Walk in faith allowing God to increase your faith as you move forward and accomplish what He has called you to do.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Rising above the storms
Are you weary? Have you been wounded? Do you feel as though you lack the courage to continue? Have you reached a point of defeat? There is a strength that defies human understanding. A hope and determination which can only be supernatural. It is the strength God gives our soul, to help us make it through one more day. Don’t focus on three days from now, or three weeks from now, or even how you will do Christmas ever again. Today trust him for the strength he can give. Then tomorrow do the same.
Sometimes we worry about how we will make it in the future, when all we need is the strength for our soul to push forward today. Perhaps you are aware of the unique ability of the eagle. These fine birds know have a God-given sense about when a storm is approaching. Instead of avoiding the storm, they fly to a higher spot. When the winds come they set their wings to pick it up and allow it to rise above the storm. It actually uses the winds from the storms to lift it higher.
My friend you may not see how your storm could lift you up quite yet, but as you turn to the Lord for strength, he will give you the lift you need to rise above the storm. We can allow the storms of life to weigh us down, or we can allow them to lift us up to a new level of strength, hope and faith. I’m reminded of God’s encouragement to the Israelites found in Isaiah 40:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”[1]
Strength of soul is a God thing, not a me thing or a you thing. It’s that determination to get back on the surf board or return to the work place, or simply to re-enter life again. God has enriched each of our lives with meaning and purpose. He has a plan for our next step and He will give us the strength to take the next step. The Lord is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of need. As he calls us to do a certain work in this world, he will give us what we need to carry it out.
Family Fun: Find a picture of an eagle, print it out and put it on a small poster board or even in a picture frame. Write or print the words from Isaiah 40:28 -31
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Place this picture someplace where you will see it each day. Use it as a reminder of the strength of soul only God can give as you face the storms of life.
Sometimes we worry about how we will make it in the future, when all we need is the strength for our soul to push forward today. Perhaps you are aware of the unique ability of the eagle. These fine birds know have a God-given sense about when a storm is approaching. Instead of avoiding the storm, they fly to a higher spot. When the winds come they set their wings to pick it up and allow it to rise above the storm. It actually uses the winds from the storms to lift it higher.
My friend you may not see how your storm could lift you up quite yet, but as you turn to the Lord for strength, he will give you the lift you need to rise above the storm. We can allow the storms of life to weigh us down, or we can allow them to lift us up to a new level of strength, hope and faith. I’m reminded of God’s encouragement to the Israelites found in Isaiah 40:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”[1]
Strength of soul is a God thing, not a me thing or a you thing. It’s that determination to get back on the surf board or return to the work place, or simply to re-enter life again. God has enriched each of our lives with meaning and purpose. He has a plan for our next step and He will give us the strength to take the next step. The Lord is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of need. As he calls us to do a certain work in this world, he will give us what we need to carry it out.
Family Fun: Find a picture of an eagle, print it out and put it on a small poster board or even in a picture frame. Write or print the words from Isaiah 40:28 -31
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Place this picture someplace where you will see it each day. Use it as a reminder of the strength of soul only God can give as you face the storms of life.
Monday, April 28, 2008
God's Strength
This past weekend I had the blessing and privilege to be with the wonderful women of Christ the Rock Church in Wisconsin. We stayed at a beautiful resort called the Osthoff resort at Elkhart Lake, a relaxing and refreshing getaway near Appleton. I was the women’s retreat speaker for the weekend and gave four talks altogether; one on Friday, two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. I must tell you that physically I was very weak with one of those awful colds coming on, plus I was experiencing a terrible ache in my neck which kept me awake at night. With little sleep and feeling physically depleted I knew I was not up to teaching four times, as well as visiting with and encouraging the ladies.
But where we are weak, God is strong. It was quite apparent I need God to be my source of strength and speak through me. Before each session, I asked God to take over and completely teach the lesson, because I was physically and mentally unable to do it. I was amazed at the work He did in the women’s hearts. He spoke powerfully through my meager mouth, and many of the women told me they needed to hear exactly what I had to say.
How perfect is God’s work! All praise to Him. I left Wisconsin knowing God taught the women, and He used what little I had to offer. When I boarded the plane for my journey home, I opened my One Year Bible to the daily reading for April 28. It took me to the story of Gideon where God paired down Gideon’s army in order for Gideon to know God was the one who would win the battle and not Gideon. Yes, Gideon’s army was made weak, so God could show forth strong. In my weakened state, I too, was able to see it was God who did a great work this weekend and not me.
Perhaps our weaknesses have a purpose. Could it be that God allows us to be weak and inadequate for the task, so we can see His mighty hand at work? All glory to Him who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine!
Family Fun: Read the story of Gideon found in the Bible in book of Judges chapter 7. You may even want to act out the story, making a rams horns out of empty paper towel tubes and use a plastic jar with a flash light in it. Pretend you are sneaking up on the enemy, take away the jar and allow the kids to shine their lights and blow their trumpets. Talk about how the Lord fought the battle for Gideon using only a small army. Remind your kids that when you feel weak or inadequate, you can look to God for strength and ask Him to help you. God is able.
But where we are weak, God is strong. It was quite apparent I need God to be my source of strength and speak through me. Before each session, I asked God to take over and completely teach the lesson, because I was physically and mentally unable to do it. I was amazed at the work He did in the women’s hearts. He spoke powerfully through my meager mouth, and many of the women told me they needed to hear exactly what I had to say.
How perfect is God’s work! All praise to Him. I left Wisconsin knowing God taught the women, and He used what little I had to offer. When I boarded the plane for my journey home, I opened my One Year Bible to the daily reading for April 28. It took me to the story of Gideon where God paired down Gideon’s army in order for Gideon to know God was the one who would win the battle and not Gideon. Yes, Gideon’s army was made weak, so God could show forth strong. In my weakened state, I too, was able to see it was God who did a great work this weekend and not me.
Perhaps our weaknesses have a purpose. Could it be that God allows us to be weak and inadequate for the task, so we can see His mighty hand at work? All glory to Him who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine!
Family Fun: Read the story of Gideon found in the Bible in book of Judges chapter 7. You may even want to act out the story, making a rams horns out of empty paper towel tubes and use a plastic jar with a flash light in it. Pretend you are sneaking up on the enemy, take away the jar and allow the kids to shine their lights and blow their trumpets. Talk about how the Lord fought the battle for Gideon using only a small army. Remind your kids that when you feel weak or inadequate, you can look to God for strength and ask Him to help you. God is able.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Spring Cleaning
This weekend I drove down to Waco in a rented pickup truck filled with things we don’t need and want to get rid of. You see my daughter at Baylor was having a garage sale and I wanted to bring “just a few” items for her to sell as well. We both agreed that it felt good to get rid of all the junk we had accumulated over the years. It’s amazing how much unnecessary stuff we keep, from clothes to furniture and everything in between.
Just as it is a good idea to deliberately and regularly clean out the closets of our unwanted items, it’s also important for us to do a little clean out with some of our unwanted habits. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians talked about a little personal closet clean out and getting rid of a few things in our lives as Christians. He said, “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language (Colossians 3:8).” He also says, “You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Any thoughts on old habits you may want to clean out of your life? I know I am slightly convicted as I read Paul’s admonishment. But the good news is we don’t have to clean out the closet of our hearts alone. God has given us His Spirit to help us not only recognize some of the things that need to go, but to help us and strengthen us in replacing the old junk with beautiful qualities like kindness, humility and patience.
Time for a little closet clean out of our hearts don’t you think? Consider doing some Spring Cleaning this week asking God to help you get rid of useless unwanted habits and bring in some fresh new lovely ones.
Family Fun: Together as a family, clean out a junk drawer or closet in your home. Trust me, it can be fun when you do it as a family. Use one box for giveaway items and a bag for trash. Rearrange and straighten the place, so it is once again useful and nice. As you sigh and look at your accomplishment talk, about how the Bible says we need to get rid of certain bad habits in our life. Read Colossians 3:8 and talk it. Pray together as a family asking God to help you recognize old junk that needs to go. Ask Him to renew your heart and help you to reflect His love in the home.
Just as it is a good idea to deliberately and regularly clean out the closets of our unwanted items, it’s also important for us to do a little clean out with some of our unwanted habits. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians talked about a little personal closet clean out and getting rid of a few things in our lives as Christians. He said, “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language (Colossians 3:8).” He also says, “You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Any thoughts on old habits you may want to clean out of your life? I know I am slightly convicted as I read Paul’s admonishment. But the good news is we don’t have to clean out the closet of our hearts alone. God has given us His Spirit to help us not only recognize some of the things that need to go, but to help us and strengthen us in replacing the old junk with beautiful qualities like kindness, humility and patience.
Time for a little closet clean out of our hearts don’t you think? Consider doing some Spring Cleaning this week asking God to help you get rid of useless unwanted habits and bring in some fresh new lovely ones.
Family Fun: Together as a family, clean out a junk drawer or closet in your home. Trust me, it can be fun when you do it as a family. Use one box for giveaway items and a bag for trash. Rearrange and straighten the place, so it is once again useful and nice. As you sigh and look at your accomplishment talk, about how the Bible says we need to get rid of certain bad habits in our life. Read Colossians 3:8 and talk it. Pray together as a family asking God to help you recognize old junk that needs to go. Ask Him to renew your heart and help you to reflect His love in the home.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Friendships in the Fast Lane
In the busyness of being a mom, often our own friendships can fall by the wayside. Yet as moms, we need those dear relationships which give us encouragement as well as a shoulder to cry on at times. How do you juggle life as a mom, and building relationships? Three principles in friendships come to mind which can ease into any routine and be helpful for both friends and family members. Here they are:
Take a genuine interest in others. Remember that each person you meet is a beautiful creation of God. Listen to them, learn form them, find the treasure in them. As you take a sincere interest in others you will find some “Aha’ moments where you recognize you have something in common. Build on it and help an acquaintance to become a good friend simply by showing them you see their value and honoring them.
Be a giver not a taker. Now don’t get worried here. Being a giver doesn’t need to take a lot of time and energy. In fact it usually is a natural outpouring of taking a genuine interest in others. You can give a smile or a hug. A listening ear or help with the kids. You can give encouraging words or sound advice. Look for simple ways you can bless another person and build them up. Learn to be a gracious receiver when you need to be too.
Forgive. Possibly the greatest gift we can give to others is forgiveness. Overlooking faults and annoyances. Sure we get our feelings hurt sometime. Forgiveness doesn’t mean we let people walk all over us. We need to communicate and set up healthy boundaries. But forgiveness means giving up the right to hold something over another person. It is a constant process, and a supernatural one. Ask God to give you the ability to forgive and move on. After all He is pretty good at it! Remember you have been forgiven of all your sins through Jesus, and so we as Christians ought to be the most forgiving people on the planet.
Take a genuine interest in others, be a given not a taker and forgive. If we apply these three principles to our relationships this week we will see them bloom and grow. Take heart fellow mother. Even when you feel all alone, you have the perfect friend with you, Jesus. He loves you, forgives you and will never leave you.
Family Fun: Talk with your kids about their friendships. Learn who they consider to be some of their closest friends and who are some of the acquaintances they want to know better. Then share with them each of the three principles above. Tell them a smile is a gift they give to other people to encourage them. Talk about some good conversation starter questions they can ask their friends. I want to practice giving by sending the first 10 people who contact me my book Table Talk free. It offers conversation starters around the dinner table. Email me at Karolladd@PositiveLifePrinciples.com with subject line “Table Talk.”
Take a genuine interest in others. Remember that each person you meet is a beautiful creation of God. Listen to them, learn form them, find the treasure in them. As you take a sincere interest in others you will find some “Aha’ moments where you recognize you have something in common. Build on it and help an acquaintance to become a good friend simply by showing them you see their value and honoring them.
Be a giver not a taker. Now don’t get worried here. Being a giver doesn’t need to take a lot of time and energy. In fact it usually is a natural outpouring of taking a genuine interest in others. You can give a smile or a hug. A listening ear or help with the kids. You can give encouraging words or sound advice. Look for simple ways you can bless another person and build them up. Learn to be a gracious receiver when you need to be too.
Forgive. Possibly the greatest gift we can give to others is forgiveness. Overlooking faults and annoyances. Sure we get our feelings hurt sometime. Forgiveness doesn’t mean we let people walk all over us. We need to communicate and set up healthy boundaries. But forgiveness means giving up the right to hold something over another person. It is a constant process, and a supernatural one. Ask God to give you the ability to forgive and move on. After all He is pretty good at it! Remember you have been forgiven of all your sins through Jesus, and so we as Christians ought to be the most forgiving people on the planet.
Take a genuine interest in others, be a given not a taker and forgive. If we apply these three principles to our relationships this week we will see them bloom and grow. Take heart fellow mother. Even when you feel all alone, you have the perfect friend with you, Jesus. He loves you, forgives you and will never leave you.
Family Fun: Talk with your kids about their friendships. Learn who they consider to be some of their closest friends and who are some of the acquaintances they want to know better. Then share with them each of the three principles above. Tell them a smile is a gift they give to other people to encourage them. Talk about some good conversation starter questions they can ask their friends. I want to practice giving by sending the first 10 people who contact me my book Table Talk free. It offers conversation starters around the dinner table. Email me at Karolladd@PositiveLifePrinciples.com with subject line “Table Talk.”
Monday, April 7, 2008
Are you Sinking?
Float with me back to a boat on the Sea of Galilee, a body of water 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. The topography lends itself to creating violent and unexpected storms as winds blow over the land and intensify close to the sea. As evening approaches, Jesus gets in boat and says to the disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” Shortly into the journey, one of those fierce storms comes upon them. High waves break into the boat, filling it with water.
I’m already relating to this story, how about you? It’s interesting how quickly storms can hit our life. We may be merrily rowing along on our pleasant little journey and without any warning an unexpected storm changes everything, and we feel as though we are sinking fast. Been there? Perhaps you have had several little storms, or maybe you have had a major life-changing storm which will mark your life forever. Whatever your storm, great or small, don’t forget Jesus is in the boat with you.
The gospel of Mark goes on to tell us that Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The desperate and frantic disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?” In the middle of your storm you may have prayed that same thing. I suppose it is hard for us to imagine that Jesus allows us to go through the storm. “Don’t you care that this is happening to me? Where are you? Why are you sleeping?” we say to the Lord. Even though it seems like Jesus is sleeping, he does care about your situation, just as he cared for the disciples in the boat.
Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Quiet down!” Suddenly the wind stopped and there was a great calm. Jesus then had a question for the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?” I believe the disciples were filled with anxiety and fear because they still didn’t seem to understand who Jesus was and what He could do. After Jesus calmed the storm, they proclaimed, “Who is this man, that even the wind and waves obey him?” Jesus, the Son of God and creator of all, was in the boat with them. They had a choice to be filled with terror or to trust the power of God. We too have a choice to panic or to pray when we face fearful and unexpected storms. Jesus does care and He is in the boat with us. He may not take away the entire storm, but He can give us a peace and a calm in the midst of it.
In my simplistic way of seeing life, it seems to me that if Jesus is in charge of the weather, couldn’t he have just made it smooth sailing the whole way? Wouldn’t it have been easier on the boat and on the disciple’s nerves to just skip the storm altogether and travel safely to the other side? Yet, how could the disciples’ faith grow unless they experienced God’s miraculous power themselves? Because of the storm, the disciples were able to see the mighty hand of God at work. They learned more about who Jesus was and what He was capable of doing through the storm, not the calm. They also learned that they could depend on Him no matter what happened for they knew He was able to handle it.
Unexpected storms will come in our lives. The question is will we try to ride it out on our own in a state of panic, or will we go to Jesus first seeking his peace and help? Jesus is in the boat with us and will never leave us. As we get to know Jesus better through studying the Bible and abiding in prayer, we begin to recognize and trust His mighty power and His ability to save us.
I’m already relating to this story, how about you? It’s interesting how quickly storms can hit our life. We may be merrily rowing along on our pleasant little journey and without any warning an unexpected storm changes everything, and we feel as though we are sinking fast. Been there? Perhaps you have had several little storms, or maybe you have had a major life-changing storm which will mark your life forever. Whatever your storm, great or small, don’t forget Jesus is in the boat with you.
The gospel of Mark goes on to tell us that Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The desperate and frantic disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?” In the middle of your storm you may have prayed that same thing. I suppose it is hard for us to imagine that Jesus allows us to go through the storm. “Don’t you care that this is happening to me? Where are you? Why are you sleeping?” we say to the Lord. Even though it seems like Jesus is sleeping, he does care about your situation, just as he cared for the disciples in the boat.
Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Quiet down!” Suddenly the wind stopped and there was a great calm. Jesus then had a question for the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?” I believe the disciples were filled with anxiety and fear because they still didn’t seem to understand who Jesus was and what He could do. After Jesus calmed the storm, they proclaimed, “Who is this man, that even the wind and waves obey him?” Jesus, the Son of God and creator of all, was in the boat with them. They had a choice to be filled with terror or to trust the power of God. We too have a choice to panic or to pray when we face fearful and unexpected storms. Jesus does care and He is in the boat with us. He may not take away the entire storm, but He can give us a peace and a calm in the midst of it.
In my simplistic way of seeing life, it seems to me that if Jesus is in charge of the weather, couldn’t he have just made it smooth sailing the whole way? Wouldn’t it have been easier on the boat and on the disciple’s nerves to just skip the storm altogether and travel safely to the other side? Yet, how could the disciples’ faith grow unless they experienced God’s miraculous power themselves? Because of the storm, the disciples were able to see the mighty hand of God at work. They learned more about who Jesus was and what He was capable of doing through the storm, not the calm. They also learned that they could depend on Him no matter what happened for they knew He was able to handle it.
Unexpected storms will come in our lives. The question is will we try to ride it out on our own in a state of panic, or will we go to Jesus first seeking his peace and help? Jesus is in the boat with us and will never leave us. As we get to know Jesus better through studying the Bible and abiding in prayer, we begin to recognize and trust His mighty power and His ability to save us.
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