Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 21, 2014
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid. John 6:19-20
The disciples, fresh from Jesus feeding the five thousand, toiled away in a terrific storm. They feared for their safety and were frightened by a ghostlike figure walking on the water toward them. They did not recognize their Master–the One who calms the seas. In a similar way, just after we encounter a problem, we can easily forget a prior act of God’s favor. Yet, faith in Christ’s work is meant to keep fear at bay. He who provides in our need can see us through uncertain times.
Sometimes our Savior tests our trust in Him. He allows us to struggle in our work. He leads us to labor hard for His sake, even as we make minimal progress. Our work is not an end in itself, but a means to grow our faith in Jesus and lear
n how to rest in His peaceful presence. Yes, those we work with need our support and our example of looking to the Lord during economic storms. If our jobs were easy, we might become proud and self sufficient. So in hard times, hope in God.
“He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8).
Current circumstances may be calm, but we are wise to prepare for the coming storm. By God’s grace we sink the pylons of our faith deep into the cement of our Savior Christ Jesus. His foundation of faithfulness cannot be shaken. He is our solid rock that cannot be moved by temptation or manipulation. We rest in the cleft of the Rock of Ages–Almighty God. He shelters us in the storms of life. Hope in Him gets us through scary situations. Fear fades in the face of faith.
Do you find yourself in the middle of a crisis of faith? Has a health issue rocked your world? Has someone else’s decisions destroyed your peace? Whatever worries you have, Christ can cure. He walks toward you to calm your heart in crummy circumstances. Be hopeful in Him and fear will finally run its course. The same Holy Spirit that interceded on your behalf in past prayers, intercedes for you now. Be hopeful for your Creator can cease the storm. Rest in and with Him!
“You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:12).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, let my only fear be of You. When I face fear, keep my hope in you.
Related Readings: Psalm 33:18; Daniel 10:12; Matthew 28:10; Acts 18:9; Revelation 1:17
Post/Tweet today: Current circumstances may be calm, but we are wise to prepare for the coming storm. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Jenna Harmon This is a good devotional today 🙂
courage is fear that has said it’s prayers.
Kristin, We are so thankful you read this devotional and liked it. I hope it finds it’s way to Jenna and blesses her.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne