Calm in the Storm
One of the most well-known stories in Jesus' life is the calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25).
Think about the disciples hanging out on a boat with Jesus when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully.
Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions.
After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm … but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His gentle rebuke wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it.
They knew Jesus was in their boat, they just didn’t understand what He was fully capable of doing.
Jesus was their strength through the storm and over the storm.
Jesus was their provider, protector, healer, and leader.
Jesus was their source of peace and power.
And the same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with us. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near. There is not a situation you have gone through that Jesus hasn’t endured beside you.
Jesus was, and is, and is to come. He was there at the beginning of time, and He will be there at the end of it. He has seen every event in human history, and He has not forsaken anyone who cries out for Him and trusts in Him.
Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for you, and not against you—that’s why you have nothing to fear. And that is why today, you can make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise:
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Fully Committed
“And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time.”
1 Kings 8:61
These words are part of King Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the completion of the temple in Jerusalem. It was a moment of celebration and fulfillment, a physical reminder that God was dwelling among His people. But Solomon didn’t want a beautiful building. He wanted a faithful people.
Not halfway committed. Not when commitment is convenient. Not when you feel like committing.
Fully committed.
It’s easy to drift into partial commitment: reading your Bible when life slows down and you can find the time, praying only when things go wrong, showing up to church when your family has a free weekend. But Solomon’s prayer still calls to us today, and it's clear: be all-in with your faith.
So what could full commitment look like in your everyday life? Here are four things you and your family can do to build a life that's fully committed to ...