The Power of Response
When crisis strikes, how do we react? Do we panic, or do we turn to God in humility and trust?
A Lesson from Peter’s House
We find a powerful example in the Bible, where Jesus visited Peter’s house and healed his mother-in-law of a fever. Instead of resting, she immediately got up and served Jesus, demonstrating her gratitude and devotion. Later that day, Jesus healed many others and cast out evil spirits, yet the crowd’s response was to seek more entertainment, rather than to humble themselves before God.
A Stormy Encounter
The disciples soon found themselves in a precarious situation, as a fierce storm ravaged their boat on the lake. Jesus, however, remained calm, even sleeping through the chaos. When the disciples woke him, pleading for rescue, Jesus responded with a gentle rebuke, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” He then calmed the storm with a mere word, showcasing his authority over nature.
The Sequence of Response
Notice the stark contrast between Jesus’ response and that of the disciples. While they panicked, Jesus acted with confidence and power. This episode teaches us a valuable lesson: when faced with turmoil, our response should follow a specific sequence – humility, patience, and action. As 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds us, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
A Prayer of Surrender
As we reflect on Jesus’ responses to our needs, may we be inspired to surrender our fears and worries to him. May our prayer be, “Lord Jesus, thank you for your unwavering response to our needs. You give us salvation, eternal life, guidance, and peace. This week, we humble ourselves, laying our storms before you, that you may calm the turbulent waters and grant us your peace. Our response is to say thank you, thank you, thank you… and to wait eagerly, ready and willing to serve you as you unfold your plan for us. In your precious and holy name, amen.”
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