My favorite story of a ‘do not fear’ verse is Jesus calming the storm. I have always loved watching thunderstorms from the safety of my house. I love to see the power of God at work in the wind and the rain, knowing that God has set the limits for each event. It has a beginning and an ending.

God has done the same in my life, setting limits for the trials that I have faced. They have always been more than I could handle on my own, without His help, but that doesn’t mean they are outside of His control and purpose.

Matthew 8:23-27 NIV
[23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

The definition of rebuke according to Miriam Webster is: “to criticize sharply: reprimand.” I love knowing that God is in control of absolutely everything in the universe, and tells it exactly what to do.

Peter, Andrew, James, and John were seasoned commercial fishermen, and they were intimately familiar with the Sea of Galilee’s geography, routinely navigating its waters and facing local weather patterns to make their living. But they couldn’t face this particular storm with only their human resources – they needed rescued.

This week, with another one of my husband’s law enforcement coworkers, and a good friend, shot in the line of duty, I always come back to this passage, as well as John 16:33:  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The purpose of each of these adventures in our lives is to draw us closer to our Rescuer, and to make those who don’t yet know Him wonder who He is.

What storms or troubles can I be praying for you about?

How has God delivered you from a storm?