What Jesus Did! 'Trust in Crisis' — Matthew 8:23-25

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
— Matthew 8:23-25 NLT

Key Thought

The biggest issue in this story is not the storm. Just like the biggest issue in each of our crises is not the crisis. It's all about trust. Will we trust the one we follow to provide for us through the storms of life? But more than that, the issue is whether we will trust his protection and care even when he does not appear to be paying attention to our troubles? The Psalms are full of cries of desperation and pleas for God to awaken to the people's plight and quit closing his eyes to their problems. But just as God sustained Israel through the storms of destruction and defeat, Jesus (Immanuel, God with us) will also sustain, protect, and ultimately deliver his followers.

Today's Prayer

O Father, be near and not far. Hear my cries for those who are feeling broken and defeated and are despairing. You alone can lighten their load and ease their burden. You alone can sustain them through their storms. Please hear their cries and my voice too, as we all offer up our requests for your sustaining and protecting care until the day we are delivered into your eternal presence. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Through Every Storm!
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus wants us to invite him into our storms so he can speak peace to our panic and hope to our dread. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that the storms of life can engulf us, surround us, buffet us, and even terrify us, but Jesus will not abandon us in our storms and will eventually bring us to safety, peace, and calm.
Through Every Storm
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus wants us to invite him into our storms so he can speak peace to our panic and hope to our dread. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that the storms of life can engulf us, surround us, buffet us, and even terrify us, but Jesus will not abandon us in our storms and will eventually bring us to safety, peace, and calm.
Here is God!
Article by Russ Lawson
Where can you find God on your map? God takes away the fear of strange places.
'What Sort of Man Is This?'
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Who in the world is this man? Phil Ware continues his series called 'Saved at Sea' with his fourth message on life's most important question, 'What sort of man is this?'

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:23-25 NLT — "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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