You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith . . . may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. -1 Peter 1:6-7

In the book of Mark we read about a terrible storm.  The disciples were with Jesus on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee.  When a "furious squall came up," the disciples, among them some seasoned fishermen, were afraid for their lives (4:37-38).  Did God not care?  Weren't they handpicked by Jesus and closest to Him?  Weren't they obeying Jesus who told them to "go over to he other side?" (verse 35) Why, then, were they going through such a turbulent time?

No one is exempt from the storms of life.  But just as the disciples who initially feared the storm later came to revere Christ more, so the storms we face can bring us to a deeper knowledge of God.  "Who is this," the disciples pondered, "even the wind and the waves obey him!" (verse 41)  Through our trials we can learn that no storm is big enough to prevent God from accomplishing His will. (5:1)

While we may not understand why God allows trials to enter our lives, we thank Him that through them we can come to know who He is.  We live to serve Him because He has preserved our lives.

Prayer for Today

Lord, I know I don't need to fear the storms of life around me. Help me to be calm because I stand secure in You.  Amen.