Devotional, 29 Sept

‘And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind
ceased, and there was a great calm.’ – Mark 4:39
In this stressful time, when a lot hinges on a set of examinations over eight days – For some,
they need that elusive eighty-something percent for a Grade Seven in a certain subject; for others,
this is a matter of retention or promotion. Sleepless nights are being spent, with some falling fast
asleep on their Biology textbooks at three in the morning, while others cut their sleep to two hours a
night just to stay up trying to grasp key concepts. Everyone in the cohort - From sportsmen
to ‘muggers’ – Is facing the strain of nine months of hard work being crystallised into one key
examination.
Through all this, it is important to remember that our Lord Jesus has power over all things. In
the verse above, it is shown that Jesus has power over all things – If he could calm actual storms and
waves on the Sea of Galillee two thousand years ago, he can calm the storms of anxious hearts right
now. All that has to be done is to obey the Lord’s call and promise to ‘Come to me, all who labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
Here’s a short story to conclude: There once was a man walking with God by the seashore.
At most parts, there were two sets of footprints. However, at some points, the man could only see
one set. Disappointed, he asked, “God, why did you leave me to fend for myself when I was facing
difficulties?” God replied,” My child, I never left you. At the darkest points in your life, I was carrying
you.”
Let us place our trust in the Lord Almighty to bring us through this time of testing, for he has
us in his hands.