Into the Storm - Greg Laurie Devotion - January 08, 2026
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” (Mark 4:35–37 nlt)
In Mark 5, we find an interesting story in which Jesus invites the disciples, some of whom were seasoned fishermen, to join Him on a little boat trip across the Sea of Galilee. On the way across, they encounter a violent storm. Bad timing, some might say. On the contrary, it was perfect timing.
The circumstances of the story beg the question: Did Jesus know that a storm was coming when He said, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” (Mark 4:35 nlt)? The answer is undoubtedly yes.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:15–16 nlt). The One who is supreme over all creation doesn’t need a forecast to know when a storm is coming.
In fact, it’s likely Jesus planned the outing because of the storm. You might even say it was part of His curriculum that day. Jesus was teaching His disciples to believe what they claimed to believe.
We don’t want to make light of what the disciples were experiencing, because this was a very severe storm. Several on board had experienced storms on the Sea of Galilee before. The fact that they were gripped by fear says something about the storm’s ferocity. Mark 4:37 says that high waves were breaking into the boat. Sinking seemed to be a very real possibility.
The disciples were afraid, but they didn’t have to be. Jesus had made a significant statement—one that apparently the disciples had missed: “Let’s cross to the other side” (nlt). When God says, “Let’s cross to the other side,” it means you’ll get to the other side. He didn’t say it would be smooth sailing. He didn’t say it would be an easy trip. But He did say, “Let’s cross to the other side.”
God’s people become gripped by fear and cease to think logically when we forget His promises to us. That’s exactly what happened to the disciples. But Jesus was on board with them. He was there to see them through. And He’s there to see us through, too.
The Lord still wants to take His followers to the other side. Outside their comfort zone. Away from those who would hold them back. Beyond their limited perception of who they are and what they’re capable of.
The journey involves risk. It will be scary at times. But the Lord is greater than the obstacles and challenges in the way.
Reflection question: How has the Lord helped you navigate a storm in your life?
Copyright © 2026 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/slavasam777
Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author, and movie producer. His latest film ‘Jesus Revolution,’ from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, is now available on-demand worldwide.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
Kids today are growing up in a world that’s fast, loud, and often lonely, but Jesus offers
them a friendship like no other. In this warm and beautifully illustrated book, bestselling
author Sally Lloyd-Jones helps young readers see that Jesus is not far away. He’s close.
He listens. And He loves them more than they can imagine. Jesus, Our True Friend is a
powerful gift for children, families, and anyone who wants to pass on the love of Christ.
Request your copy today with your gift to Harvest Ministries.
