JUNE 14, Matthew 8:23-27

As the multitudes of people grew, Jesus and His disciples withdrew from them and took a boat to the other side of the sea. This was supposed to be just another quiet and uneventful trip. Nobody expected a great storm! As the winds and rain beat down on their boat and the waters covered it, the disciples grew more and more afraid. Although many of them were fishermen, they have never experienced such a frightening storm. They were so afraid that they would die!

Maybe you have felt this sort of fear before. You look around you and all you can see are difficulties. Things just don’t seem to be going well. Maybe you are not doing well in school, have fallen very sick or perhaps there is a difficult situation at home to deal with. These problems seem so overwhelming and you feel at a loss. Who do you go to for help? The disciples cried to Jesus in desperation, “Lord, save us: we perish”. Cries of helplessness and desperation are simple and short. Whenever you face problems and feel afraid, do you ask the Lord to save and help you? He is just a short prayer away!

Jesus rebuked the disciples saying “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” Dear children, that is what Jesus says to you too when you are feeling afraid - “Why are you afraid of the problems in front of you? Are you staring at the problems or are you focusing on who I am and what I am able to do for you?” We show little faith in Jesus when we fix our eyes on our problems instead of on Him. That is the real problem that makes us afraid!

Jesus arose and commanded the winds and waves to stop. Suddenly there was great peace and calm! A stormy sea immediately became calm, peaceful waters. When we look to Jesus to save us, He is able to replace our fears with calm and peace. Look at who He is! He is the Son of God who has all power and authority. Look at what He is able to do! He commands creation by His word. Jesus is able to still the storms in your life. Will you commit all your fears to Him in prayer and trust Him?

Psalm 56:3 tells you what to do when you are afraid.

Write the verse below!

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Thought: The biggest problems will become very small when we trust in God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, whenever I am afraid, help me to trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.