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Listen while you read: "Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above"1
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Mark 4:38 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (NIV)
Sometimes, I get frustrated with God, especially when my prayers of concern take a while to be answered. I'm usually a patient person, but when I get anxious, I can't help feeling that God is either ignoring me or doesn't understand the situation. I can remember years ago, when a church staff member created an almighty conflict in the congregation that I served, how vexed I was because I was being falsely blamed for their misconduct. I repeatedly prayed to God to deal with the situation and make others understand the truth. I even spelled out to God how to do it and wondered if He really cared about what I was unjustly enduring. Eventually, it was positively resolved, but I still carry some pain from that unsettling time.
In today's highlighted verse, I hear the same anxiety and frustration in the voices of the disciples who are caught in a terrifying storm as they try to cross Lake Galilee. While the waves are violently crashing against the boat and the wind is fiercely howling, they are terrified about losing their lives. Meanwhile, Jesus is sleeping soundly at the boat's stern, resting on top of a cushion. The disciples can't believe that He is so totally unaware of their predicament, and so they anxiously shout at Him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
Christ awakes from His deep sleep and responds to their pleas by stilling the storm. The wind and waves become calm; the situation is dealt with; they can now resume crossing over to the other side. Jesus probably went back to sleep again, leaving His disciples no longer anxious, but completely bewildered. They now ask among themselves, "Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!" (Mark 4:41b NIV)
Perhaps you're presently anxious about something beyond your control. Maybe you're also waiting for God to answer your prayers of concern. It may take time to be accomplished, but please know this: God hears your prayers and knows what needs to be done.
Jeremiah 29:12 – Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (NIV)
Point to ponder: What currently concerns me? How am I asking God for help?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about our lives, especially the situations and worries that we presently endure. Help us to remain faithful to You as we hand over all our anxious concerns and deepest issues. Calm the storms in our lives and enable us to continue our journey with You. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Thank-you!
Thanks for the good word, John.
Thank you for your devotional today. I enjoy your gift of writing.
Share the burden of your problems with God and help will come.
John, this was wonderful. Thank you and may God bless you always.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
John,
Thank you for your inspiring message this morning.
Blessings.
Thank you, John. I can identify with this: I repeatedly prayed to God to deal with the situation and make others understand the truth. I even spelled out to God how to do it and wondered if He really cared about what I was unjustly enduring.
Thank you for sharing today. Your writing was right on. I love thinking about Jesus with his head on a cushion, the Bible says. I wonder did he find some robes lying near him to cover himself. Wonderful glimpse into our Savior’s life.
Hi John,
I’m so grateful you have retired from “ regular” ministry.
It appears to me you have more time for these devotions and I really enjoy them!
Blessings.
Thank you, John, for your reassuring words today. I know I have gotten very concerned and impatient at times waiting for God’s answer to a prayer and thinking he has forgotten me. His timing is always for the right reason and it sure can amaze us when we realize how He solves our problem. Blessings for your writings.
Thanks, John, for this message. I’m very familiar with anxious prayers and sometimes feel disappointed with prayers that make me wonder where God is in it all. I suppose there are some things we’ll never know this side of heaven and I’ve learned that I have to expect that any answers will come in God’s time and in His way. Not easy for us humans!!
I hope all is well with you and that you will continue to provide your devotionals which I really appreciate.
Blessings.
Wow John. I have some understanding of being blamed for conduct of others.
Hurt cuts deep into the soul. My prayers were help me to leave Lord. All the while, everything I read and meditated on was: “stay rooted where I have planted you“! Almost a year and a half I was a subject of God’ grace and protection. Two Godly pastors shielded me and advocated on my behalf.
I now walk with other pastors who need an advocate.
Blessings.
Good morning, John,
It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of your daily reflections.
Today’s reflection meets me squarely as I am “waiting” for an answer about selling our home. Thus far, we’ve received no offers. The real estate market is slow in our area. The realtor says that interest rates, the upcoming election/political tensions may be having an impact. In any case, when we began this process, we found what we thought was an ideal “smaller home” and put in an offer, conditional on us selling our home. We prayed if this was the right thing, God would help us know and clear the path. Obviously, it was not the right thing for us. Likely, we will remove our listing and try again in the Spring. I’m sure God is listening. It is difficult to wait.
Thanks so much for sharing a part of your experience and intimate knowledge of scripture.
Blessings on your day.