~ A Dark and Stormy Night ~

[Lani]

Luke 5:22-25
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.


[Nothing] in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NIV)


My daughter cried out in the night, afraid of the storm. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed. She said she was afraid that the wind might sweep her away in the darkness. I tried to comfort her as the windows rattled and the wind howled against the house.

That night, I could understand what the disciples felt as a storm came upon them on the Sea of Galilee and their boat was tossed by the waves. (See Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). Now, as then, only Jesus Christ can give us peace in the midst of a storm. Calling on his name and remembering the assurances in scripture give us courage in the midst of all adversity.

As I told my daughter, “The best thing about storms is that they always pass.” And each of us can always pray, as my daughter and I did that night.




Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for simple prayers and for the peace you give when we are afraid of the storm. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” Amen (Luke 11:2-4 NIV)

Prayer Focus of Day: Those working in the fishing industry
Thought for the Day: Life's storms pass faster when we seek to assist another facing their own storm.

Story shared by: V. Byrd (GA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 7/31/11