Bible Study & Devotional (Day 51)
Read Today’s Passages February 20, 2022
Guiding Scripture: Mark 4:39-40 “..Silence, Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
🔴 Faith In The Storm
written by: LaVonda McCullough
Have you ever experienced chaos all around and felt that God had abandoned you? I have. There have been times when all I could do was smile to keep from crying. Being a follower of Christ does not make us exempt from experiences, trials, and tribulations, but when our relationship is one of intimacy, we can trust in His faithfulness.
Lessons
Jesus had spent time with his disciples ministering to the crowds and now needed a rest. He had been teaching them His Word, so this would be a practical test of their faith.
Did Jesus know there would be a storm, “YES, of course, he did “! And this would be an opportunity – a test of their faith. Trusting God and having faith go hand in hand. After hearing God’s Word, the intention is to increase our faith. (Romans 10:17)
It’s not enough to hear the Word and do nothing with it. We must be able to practice it. That is one reason God permits trials to come to our lives.
Testing does not occur because God abandoned you or because of disobedience and sin in your life. Testing will give you a testimony that will encourage others around your sphere of influence.
Friend, Jesus can be trusted in the storms of your life.
Crashing Waves:
It was a storm in my life as I watched my daughter suffer from paralysis for three weeks on the left side of her face. Out of nowhere, she wakes us one morning paralyzed and appears like she has suffered a stroke.
Witnessing the drool streaming down her face and a crushed “spirit” ached within our hearts.
God, where are you in this storm?
Jonah ended up in a storm because of his disobedience, but the disciples got into a storm because of their obedience to the Lord.
I had struggled with obedience and surrendering to God, but I was “all in,” so I was hurting and felt alone. I knew God was with me in my head, but I had difficulty connecting that information to my heart and trusting God. This was a test of trusting God to increase my faith walk. Well, it was clear that this is where the “rubber meets the road,” and I could choose to praise my way through this chaotic time in my life.”
The chaotic life of busy with all the things: work, church obligations, volunteering, getting our children to the next sporting event, and being, let us not forget, being a loving and supportive wife. Going through all the motions of “knowing God’s Word,” but I had not hidden it in my heart and embraced it.
The disciples knew the promise that they were going to the other side. (Mark 4:35) He didn’t promise an easy trip, but they would get to the other side. His commandments are true, and we can trust in His promises, but if our focus isn’t on Jesus ultimately, we miss the mark and has a way of weakening our faith.
Jesus was with them and they had nothing to fear. Jesus was with me and I had nothing fear. I had to change the lenses of how I was looking at the promises and embracing the character of God.
I had read about His power and the miracles He performed so that I could believe God for one in my life, our daughter’s life. I needed a Mindset change.
God can handle every situation, and He could heal her body.
And He did!
Complete healing was restored immediately one Sunday afternoon at our church service. Out of nowhere, we witnessed a miracle, and our faith increased to another level. Our level of hope, faith, and trust in our God showed us even more how he turns chaos into calm in our lives.
Are you ready to embrace God’s character and invite calm into your life?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being Jehovah Rapha, our healer. You are a God that will turn our chaotic situation into one of ease and flow. Increase our trust and faith in you to know that each test is one to strengthen me in areas where you know I am weak. I thank you, God, for making in strong in Jesus’ name. Amen.
LaVonda McCullough is the CEO & Founder of Joyful Journey, she is a Biblical Life Coach, Author, Speaker and Co-Pastor specializing in women empowerment. We invite you to connect with LaVonda on Facebook & Instagram. Visit www.lavondamccullough.com for more information.
This devotional was submitted by LaVonda McCullough, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading
