Evening Scripture

Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Evening Reflection

When I was in college, my family decided it would be fun (and slightly adventurous) to go hiking at Hocking Hills. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a beautiful park full of rugged terrain, waterfalls, and rocks in Logan, Ohio. It’s also the place where many people have died when they’ve chosen to go off the beaten path despite warning signs and labels. That Saturday morning, the sun was shining, and we were ready. Like Energizer Bunnies, we were determined to hike the Grandma Gatewood trail—one of the most challenging in the park. About halfway through the hike, my dad grew tired and said he’d meet Mom and me at the finish. We didn’t mind. Until suddenly, the yellow trail markers disappeared. Looking for directions and growing worried, our anxiety heightened when a storm began to blow through the area. I’ll save you most of the horrific details, but Mom and I ran in all directions searching for a way out of those woods. Dodging tree branches and flooding waters, I felt like the Disciples in this story from Luke 8.

In Luke 8:22-25, Jesus and His Disciples are on a boat. And again, all is well. Until a storm wakes them all up and they freak out. They even run up to Jesus and tell Him, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” The day Mom and I ran through the woods, I prayed a similar prayer: “Jesus, I’m going to die in this storm.” As only Jesus could, the Scriptures tell us that He got up and rebuked the wind and waves. But He also rebuked the Disciples, asking, “Where is your faith?”

I don’t think it’s wrong to ask God questions or present problems to Him. In fact, I think it’s necessary for a healthy relationship with Him. But I do believe that He asks us to have, keep, and maintain that faith, even in the midst of fear. Fear is common. It’s something all of us will experience in some way, shape, or form in this lifetime here on earth. Yet, we still have a choice to trust Him amidst the fear. I don’t know what storms you’ve faced or will continue to face this side of Heaven, but I know that God is with us through them, no matter the outcome. Have you ever faced a storm, but watched God bring you out on the other side? Talk to Him about that scenario and ask Him to help you remember His past faithfulness in present times of trouble. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I trust Jesus when fear rises? If not, don’t shame yourself, but bring these honest reflections to His feet. He loves you and wants to help you overcome your greatest fears.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,
Fear is common to all of us, but sometimes it feels incredibly overwhelming. When I’m in the middle of a storm, please direct my vision to you. Remind me to cling to you, and show me how to trust you through the process. I love and thank you, Lord. You are my forever protector.
Amen.

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