“One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'” Luke 8:22-25
It was an ordinary day for these fishermen disciples. The shore, waters, and traversing of the Sea of Galilee were familiar, as was the lull to drowsiness by its lapping waves. And so were its storms. But this one day became an unforgettable day that Jesus wanted them to remember every day. He the Omniscient had suggested the crossing, and the band of brothers set out in the boat together. When ordinary jibing hit unexpected turbulence which upended unreasonable fear, the Omnipotent awoke and spoke.
Jesus did the extraordinary by rebuking the storm, then asked where was the disciples’ faith. While this particular moment would stand out and cause them to marvel, He wanted them to see that what had seemed a test of acumen and physical might was really a test of their confidence in Him. In every storm, at every sudden turmoil and temptation to panic, He was still Master of all. He who had led them into this storm was with them by His power during the storm, even when they felt that because He was asleep, He was uncaring, uninvolved.
As we go about daily duties, hopefully led by the Lord in our dealings, interactions, and decisions, we often meet unforeseen challenges. Unanticipated storms of disruption pelt us with difficulties, doubt, and discouragement. Overwhelmed by circumstances, we might think God has abandoned us because we cannot see for all the blinding wind and spitting waves. But He is nigh!
Are we alert to the Lord’s active presence in our ordinary? Do we pause from busyness and constant fretting to trace His hand of grace, His loving presence glistening in conversations and small actions and insights of the soul? Jesus has a way of turning everyday life into exercises in learning and stretching our faith. Would we invite Him into each day He has made to transform them into the day in which He works His glory? Not knowing what a day brings forth, would we expect Him to come and invite Him to have His way?
“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.” ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Lord God, please grace my every day with the glories of Your character and expression of Your extraordinary ways. Be so evident in my routine activities that others marvel and ask who You are, that You might be known and praised.
As the rain and snow 