Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
August 8, 2021
Read Matthew 8:23-27
23 When Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A huge storm arose on the lake so that waves were sloshing over the boat. But Jesus was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you people of weak faith?” Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the lake, and there was a great calm. 27 The people were amazed and said, “What kind of person is this? Even the winds and the lake obey him!”
Good Morning! What a great day to praise the Lord!
When I walked outside this morning, the air was felt refreshing after all of the heat and humidity I felt in Florida. I was able to take in a deep breath and say “AHHHHH . . .” My first thought was not to hurry to go back inside but to linger a bit and let my senses take in God’s glory.
In so many passages, it is easy for us to admonish the “weak” faith of the disciples who were right there with Jesus. You might think that you would have shown more faith if you were there by the side of Jesus during his walk on the earth. I challenge you to consider times in your life when you had trouble seeing what was in plain view. What about observing the tiny ladybug sitting on a leaf? What about seeing someone who is in need? I fear that we often walk through our lives with blinders on because we are so focused on our tasks at that moment that we see nothing else.
So let’s show some empathy for the disciples. They were blessed to walk with Jesus, but they had so much to learn. Through their struggles, they learned, but we learn as well. The next time that you feel that Jesus has left your side or fails to see your pain, think of the disciples in that boat who awoke Jesus and asked Him if He cared that they were about to die. Jesus cares for us every moment of every day. He cares for us so much that he took on the sins of the world and chose to suffer a horrific death on the cross so that we might be forgiven.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Remove our blinders so that we might see your glory. Help us to trust You when we feel lost and alone. May we never forget that you are here with us always. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Whatever I am going through, Jesus knows and cares about it.
For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he cares for me! Pastor Liz
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