Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Thoughts, Reflections, Inspirations, and Prayers
Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Weathering Life's Storms: Finding Faith in Turbulent Times
In this episode, Walt explores the powerful story of Jesus calming the storm from Matthew 8:23-27. He delves into how this biblical account reflects our common reactions to stress and pressure in our own lives. Walt shares a personal story of facing a life-threatening situation during a stormy drive, drawing parallels to the disciples' experience on the Sea of Galilee. Through these examples, he illustrates the importance of faith in the face of fear and adversity. This episode offers listeners a thoughtful reflection on trusting God during life's storms and finding peace through unwavering faith. Join Walt for an inspiring message about overcoming challenges and growing stronger in our spiritual journey.
My brothers and sisters Walt here with simple thoughts and simple prayers.
Speaker 2:Today we'll be covering the passage of Matthew 8, 23-27,. Jesus Calms the Storm. This scene vividly illustrates our common reaction to stress or our behavior under pressure and stressful situations. Shortly after the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers a transformative teaching on interpersonal relationships, he performs a few miracles before he sets sail across the Sea of Galilee. When he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea so that the boat was being covered by the waves. But Jesus himself was asleep. And they came to him and woke him up, saying Save us, lord, we are perishing. He said to them. Why are you afraid, you men of little faith? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed and said what kind of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey him?
Speaker 2:Just think some of them had been fishermen for a lifetime, their lives personally intertwined with the sea. Storms were as familiar to them as the back of their hands. Yet in this moment, as their small boat was tossed about like a toy, fear had gripped their hearts. They had witnessed Jesus' calm attempt as before, but that had been a different kind of storm. It had been a storm of doubt attempt, as, within their own souls, they had seen Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons and even cleanse a man with leprosy. They had witnessed firsthand the power of God at work. And yet, when faced with a physical storm, their faith wavered. Jesus, sleeping peacefully in the stern of the boat, awoke at the sound of their cries. Why are you so afraid? He asked his voice, calm and assuring. Do you not yet have faith? His words were a gentle rebuke, a reminder that true faith is not merely belief in God's power, but trust in his character. As Jesus stood and rebuked the wind and the waves, the storm ceased. The disciples, filled with awe and wonder, were once again reminded of the power of their Savior. They had been tested, but they had also been taught a lesson, a valuable lesson. True faith is not about being free from fear, but about trusting in God even when fear seems to overwhelm us.
Speaker 2:I remember facing a life-threatening situation. I was traveling to work one stormy night, and my windshield wipers weren't quite equipped enough to weather the storm. On top of that, my tires were a lot balder than what I thought they were. I took a sharp left turn to enter onto the expressway and, before I knew it, my vehicle just gave out, completely hydroplaned. There I was completing a 360 in the middle of the road. Panic surged through my body, a cold dread that threatened to overwhelm.
Speaker 2:I remember the disciples in the storm, their fear and doubt. In that moment I felt a connection to their dilemma. I knew I had to remain calm, to trust in something greater than myself. With a deep breath, I gently turned the wheel, resisting the urge to overcorrect. As the car began to straighten, I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer Jesus, take the wheel, I pleaded. The car seemed to respond, its course shifting slightly, but it was still heading straight for a wooden powerline pole, an intimidating threat that seemed to grow larger with each passing second.
Speaker 2:A mixture of memories and regrets and a desperate act of defiance. I grabbed the wheel and yanked it hard. The car swerved, barely missing the pole. To my astonishment, it swung into a narrow brick alleyway, a miraculous escape from a certain end. As I sat there, trembling and shaken, I realized that I had been saved, just like the disciples. I had faced a storm and emerged stronger. My faith had been tested and, in the face of adversity, it had prevailed. This moment with Jesus had echoed a truth that resonates deep within our souls Peace is not born of circumstances, but of faith. As believers, we are called to trust in the divine hand that can still the raging seas of our anxieties and fears. In the midst of our storms, let us remember that our Father is with us and his peace is a steadfast anchor to our soul.
Speaker 1:Let us pray is a steadfast anchor to our soul. Let us pray, dear Heavenly Father. Pray that in the moments that we face challenges, lord, that we return to you. We acknowledge that our life is filled with trials and sometimes they seem overwhelming. Lord, we pray for strength to endure and the wisdom to overcome. Would you grant us the courage to face our fears, lord, give us the patience to wait, the faith to believe in your plan. Help us see the lessons in every difficult time and to find hope even in the darkest times. Would you guide us through our trials, lord, may your strength emerge us, making us stronger, wiser and closer to you. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.