It is the grace of God that calms the storm, lights the fire, and feeds the hungry. These actions form a trifecta of God’s work for our spiritual needs.
Jesus Calms the Storm
Mark 4:37-41
No greater cry of desperation is prayed than the request for safety and protection in the face of danger. I have often wondered why Jesus slept (or even how we could have slept), but as I reflect now, I think He slept because the disciples had to choose him as their answer. It is not until we face an imminent threat that we will know in whom we have placed our faith. It does not take a child long to cry “mama” or “dada” as soon as they get scared, while many Christians turn to their financial stability, family, friends, or their reputation when the going gets tough. We need storms to illuminate the only true anchor for our faith: God’s grace calms our storm.
God Sets Ablaze the Burning Bush
Exodus 3:2-10
It can sometimes take a few years of wandering aimlessly in a desert before we are ready to receive the direction God has for us. But there it was, on the right day, at the right time, Moses saw the bush. That fire, lit but not consuming, sparked curiosity for sure – but even more, it presented an opportunity for purpose and meaning in Moses’ listless existence. Moses turned aside to see, (Ex 3:3) and in so doing, he placed himself perfectly to receive the communication and direction from God he had been missing. It is God’s grace to reveal His direction, and give us purpose and meaning in the life He has given us. Our God-given identities stoke to life a fiery blaze which sustains us for our journeys.
Jesus Feeds the Hungry
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus perfectly encapsulates the promise of our Heavenly Father to provide for our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). He has provided for the sparrow and he will provide for us. (Matthew 10:29-31) Jesus was moved with compassion on the multitude and this same love prompts our Heavenly Father to provide for us. It’s not because we have earned it or deserve it, it’s because He loves us. That is enough. That is grace.
Today, we have two prayers. The first expresses praise and thanks to God for his grace and love. The second reflects a child’s cry for help from his loving Heavenly Father.
A Prayer of Gratitude
(Pause before you pray and let the Lord remind you how much grace you have received, detailing specific situations where he calmed a storm, gave direction, and kept you fed.)
Father, I take a moment now to thank you for the marvelous grace that you have bestowed upon me. I praise you for calming the storms in my life and protecting me in them. Thank you for seeing me in my seasons of hopelessness and setting a fire to light my path. Thank you for feeding me, clothing me, and giving me a place to stay. I know you care and my life is evidence of that fact. I choose today to seek first the Kingdom of God and I yield myself to your purposes in my life.
A Cry for Help
Father, I come before you in desperate need. The storm I am facing is too great for me. My ship is tossed and the waves are strong. The wind and waves seem only to get worse as I struggle to hold on. I feel my grip is slipping. It seems as though you have been sleeping, somehow unaware of my plight. But I beg you now, as the God who created me, redeemed me, and loves me, I need your grace. I feel lost, hopeless, and shaken. Unsure of where to turn and with no direction for my future. Please set ablaze your purpose in me, I submit to your plan and choose your way above mine. Please feed me, clothe me, and give me a place to lay my head. I trust in you Father, thank you for your grace.
Have a testimony of God’s grace? Share it in the comments below!