Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

14 October 2024

Reading From Matthew 8:13-34, Mark 4-5

“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “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?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

–Mark 4:35-41

     Storms will come.  The winds of trouble will blow, tides of opposition will rage, and rains of hardship will cause a mighty deluge of discouragement.  As we partner with God in constructing our lives upon the solid bedrock of Christ and His Word, we build with unshakable godly principles.  The Father has a wonderful way of taking care of His children. 

Sometimes the tempest will beat upon our houses built on the Rock and yet we will survive, taking refuge in the strong tower of His protection.  Other times, Jesus will rebuke the storm for us and He has the miraculous power to calm the worst of hurricanes.  In either case, by faith in the only One who has this ability, we either enjoy calm in the midst of the storm, or we witness His awesome strength in diffusing the cyclone. 

“Heavenly Father, no matter how You choose to work in our lives, protecting and making miracles happen, we will be careful to give You all the praise and all the glory.  Increase our faith and trust.  We love You, Lord.  Amen.”

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 

–Psalm 46:1-3