Daily Devotions
On that day, when evening had come, He (Jesus) said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark 4:35-41
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Going the way and sailing with Jesus as His disciples is not always an easy trip.
Indeed, it is a rare believer who can honestly say his or her life has been lived without thunder and lightning or without wind and wave. Often, and without warning, those storms of life come sweeping over the bow and gunnels of our ship, and we can be afraid.
Still, as our text shows, when Jesus is with us, we don’t have to be afraid of the wind and waves. He who gave His life to save our souls is not going to forget our bodies. That is why I am convinced: with Holy Spirit-given faith I know that not even the most dangerous swells are able to swamp, sink or swallow me.
Still, you may be among those who wonder why it is God allows these storms to come. No doubt that is what the disciples felt in their little boat.
All I can tell you is what Scripture says: these trials and challenges make us, in some way, more mature. Although it may not seem so at the time, these things are part of God’s providence, instruction and blessing.
A trial and challenge can, in some way, make us more mature. That is what Old Testament Joseph said to the brothers who, years before, had sold him into slavery. Although Joseph could have been embittered by the storms he had faced, he explained, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).
This is why, today I encourage you, in the trouble you are facing, to hold fast to your faith which says, Jesus is there to bless you. Believe that Jesus will send His Holy Spirit to bring us through every bad situation. If you do, you will find a storm is not a test, but a blessing by which God achieves His plan for us.
THE PRAYER: Lord, I pray for myself and all the church. May I be granted a faith which has learned to be content in whatever situation or storm I find myself. This I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today’s international devotion was written by South Korean Nam Sang Joon. Born in a Christian family, Nam Sang Joon wanted to be a pastor from early in childhood. He studied theology at Luther University. He has been working in churches in Daegu for 20 years. He is also a professor at Luther University teaching New Testament. In South Korea, Lutheran Hour Ministries operates as Korean Lutheran Hour. The ministry center there produces valuable tools that incorporate Korean traditions in its evangelistic outreach. Youth programs, theater events, and seasonal television specials as well as the ministry center’s website, mobile app, blog, and Korean-language videos and books share the Good News in many ways.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.