Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. - Mark 6:45-52

Lord Jesus, I see that after miraculously feeding over 5,000 people right before your disciples' eyes, you made them get into a boat that would be tossed about in a terrible storm. For years I didn't see why you did this, but now I do. Their hearts were hardened and would not let go of thinking that everything depended on them. So, you cracked their hearts to break them open and find the child within who would trust that you are always with us and will be our living, loving God in every trial. Now I see a reason why you would make me ride in a life tossed around by unexpected struggle and tragedy. You are breaking the hard shell on distrusting heart. Oh Jesus, come get into my boat and calm the child within me even before you calm the storm. Help me trust you Lord Jesus. I believe some. But I want to believe a lot! I want to be so confident in your presence that I can share the comfort it brings with others, not just from your book or from my head, but from my heart. AMEN

In trials remember that God is changing everything you think about him, yourself your life.

Additional Readings: Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34, Mark 8:14-21