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.”
Staying in Spiritual Shape
When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart—physical health matters.
In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God.
But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s not enough on its own. We need something more—something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness.
Godliness isn’t just about avoiding bad habits. It’s about shaping our lives around God’s presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—strengthens our souls.
When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn’t just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life—mentally, ...