November 21, 2019: SOAP #3640:  Matthew 8-10

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 8:24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Observation:  The “furious storm” swept over the boat.  The storm caused fear to arise in the hearts of the disciples.  But that same storm provided a perfect opportunity for Jesus to reveal Himself to His disciples.

Application:   A short poem I remember from my High School days:
I walked a mile with Pleasure. She chattered all the way,
But left me none the wiser for all she had to say.
I walked a mile with sorrow, and ne’er a word said she;
But oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me!
(Robert Browning)

I am also reminded of the book, Don’t Waste Your Sorrows, written by Paul Billheimer.

Tough times can be great learning times and times of great personal growth.  They cam be times when we come to better know ourselves, but much more important, times when we come to better know God!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, bring this passage of scripture the next time I am facing a storm.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!