Scripture to Read: Luke 8:23
Yesterday, we examined how the disciples followed our Lord Jesus as He told them to launch the boat and go to the other side of the lake. As God had Luke continue to record, we read the following in Luke 8:23, “But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.” First, realize that many of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and were well acquainted with rough seas from their fishing business, but perhaps this storm was worse than any of them had ever faced. We must also note that Jesus fell asleep, which suggests He was exhausted and able to sleep through this storm. What we must know is that as Jesus calls us to follow Him each day, we can expect trials and hard times to come our way because it is just part of life. God had James write about this in James 1:2, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Note that God did not have James write, “just in case you face some trials,” but instead, God had him write “WHEN you encounter various trials.” In other words, we had better expect trials in this life and not be surprised when they come our way. But we all know that most of us still act surprised when trials enter our lives and we cry out to God asking Him why. Instead, we should learn to pray, “Father, don’t let me miss what You want me to learn.”
Challenge & Application
Why are trials a necessary part of life and how does God use them in our lives?
What trial or trials have you recently faced and what did you learn from God through them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!