One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

What a great parable to show the creation-power of Jesus. He made everything on this earth, including the wind and the waves, and he has the power to rebuke them. When applied to our lives, Jesus has the power to work all things out “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Jesus’ question here had to do with the spiritual condition of his disciples’ faith. In contrast, the disciples’ question in amazement centers on who Jesus is? So, if we combine the meaning behind these two questions we can gain some great takeaways: 1) If we don’t really know Jesus and what his power potential is, then we will not understand his ability to save us. 2) When we know the Savior, we can be at peace with the trials of this life. Jesus slept during the storm. How did he do this? He was at peace in his faith and knew he was more powerful than the storm.

Does a powerful rhinoceros worry about the impact of a pesky fly? Does a professional boxer worry about a schoolyard bully? Jesus was calm, he was the source of calm and he called his followers to have faith to gain his calm in life too. What areas of your life need the Calm of Jesus through faith today?

Lord, thank you for demonstrating in such a remarkable way that you are the source of calm in my life. When the trials and challenges come, your calm is right there with them. In faith, I claim your calm in life! You reign over the chaotic storms and you can steer me to safety or rebuke them.