He Calms the Storm
by Jim Person
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve feared for my life upon the ocean over the years. I went through storms that tossed my boat like a cork on the waves. In those moments sleep was far from my mind, as I, like the disciples, was gripped with fear.
I remember one time in particular, while navigating through some rough water, when a large wave nearly knocked me over the side. If it weren’t for the grace of God, I would have perished that day.
So you can imagine that when I read this passage of Jesus sleeping in the midst of the storm, I’m amazed! Then, when He rebukes the seasoned fisherman for having such little faith, and turns and speaks to the waves, and they obey Him, I’m in awe, as the disciples were.
Do we understand the significance of the fact that we have Jesus in the boat with us as we go through the storms of life? When the storms of life hit, I think most of us react to the circumstances by reverting to the behaviour cycles which we’re familiar with. What is it that we cling to when we’re tossed about in the storm?
In the storms of my life, I want to remember that Jesus is in the boat with me, and He’s undaunted by the severity of the storm. I want to allow the truth of His words to fill me with peace - words like ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to remember that You’re with me through all the storms of life. Forgive me for the times when I’ve reverted to my old patterns of fear. Calm my storm and give me Your peace. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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