In Touch - April 26, 2006

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Wednesday April 26, 2006

Walking With Jesus in a Storm

Mark 6:45-56

It was the middle of the night. There were high winds, crashing waves, low visibility,

and only a small boat on the Sea of Galilee. For the disciples, the situation had reached crisis proportions, and Jesus was not with them. He was on the mountainside praying, and they were alone.

Hidden by the storm, perhaps they thought Jesus had forgotten them. However, He knew exactly where the disciples were and what they were experiencing. Though we can’t see Jesus physically, He is omniscient — He can identify where we are at every moment. No darkness can hide us; no trial can obscure His vision. We are always seen, known, and understood!

Leaving that place of prayer, Jesus sought out the disciples. He will do the same for us as well. However, the disciples did not recognize Him because He went to them by walking on the water. Jesus often does not come the way we might expect. Our preconceived ideas of how He works can cause us to wonder where He is and fail to recognize His nearness.

Experiencing Jesus’ presence in hard times can teach us precious truths. During an earlier rough sea adventure, the disciples observed both Jesus’ trust in God and His authority over nature (Matthew 8:23-26). In the latest storm, they watched the Lord walk on water — and they saw one of their own do it too. Through the storms, they learned who Jesus was, what He could do, and what their own potential was.

When turmoil hits, let’s ask for spiritual eyes to discern the Lord’s presence. Then, we must listen for His voice and obey (John 10:27).

FREE OFFER: In Touch Ministries invites you to celebrate your mother this month and receive our free offer of “Lessons My Mother Taught Me.”  The message is a moving snapshot of Dr. Stanley’s childhood and the invaluable time he spent learning from his godly mother.  You’ll want to honor your mother everyday for the priceless love she’s given to you. Register today and receive a free CD of Dr. Stanley’s message “Lessons My Mother Taught Me.”

Take the next step in your spiritual walk today! Enroll for free in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living and learn biblical truth under Dr. Charles Stanley.