Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 9, 2023
Mark 4:35-41
35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Good Morning. It is a beautiful day! Give thanks to God!
My procedure went well yesterday. The surgeon was able to remove the cancer cells in her first attempt. As I waited to get the results of the first procedure, I felt calm as I read a book. I did not fear because I trusted the doctor and her staff. I knew the doctor would take care of my needs. I left the office with a large bandage on my face that reminded me that the evil cells had been removed and all was well.
With physical things, we can see tangible results. I was intrigued that both doctors offered me a mirror to see the work they had done. I’m not one to seek out seeing blood, but I looked and saw first the “hole” that remained and then the stitches that closed the opening. With time, I should have just a minimal scar to remind me of the work that was done.
Seeing and measuring our progress and results is more complicated with spiritual things. The disciples had been with Jesus for long enough to trust that he would take care of them, but here they are on the boat in the stormy seas, and they are afraid. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” This begs the question, “How do we measure our faith?” Do we only have faith as long as everything goes as expected? Where is that line in the sand that crossing it makes us doubt?
It would be easier if we could look inside ourselves and see our level of faith. Perhaps even put a number on it so that we could push and study to raise our score over time. As humans, we like tangible results. Even though we can’t put a number on our faith, we can work to grow our faith as we pray, read the Bible, praise God, and join in fellowship with the body of believers. Each challenge we face and overcome will help us mature in our faith.
The Good News is that just like Jesus calmed the winds when the disciples called out in fear, Jesus is with us to help us face our own fears. All we have to do is call to him and ask, “Help me, Lord.” Let all God’s people say, “Amen!”
Loving God, We love you! Even when we cry out in fear, you are here to comfort us. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s kingdom is full of ordinary people like us.
Fear not; God is with us! Pastor Liz
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