The Eye On Your Storm
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 6:16-21 (NIV)
(Lynn Lau, Honorary Treasurer, Local Church Executive Committee)
What storm of life are you in today? Are you confronted by illness, loss, broken relationship, financial hardship, unfair treatment, and things which frustrate, frighten, and despair you?
The disciples certainly felt the frustration, fear and despair. Here they were, obeying Jesus (Matthew 14:22) and yet, their obedience still led them into a storm which they couldn’t overcome themselves.
In an earlier incident (Matthew 8:23-27), Jesus and the disciples also experienced a great storm on the sea and they saw Jesus rebuke the winds and calm the raging seas.
Were they frustrated because they thought they could have done better by themselves, this time without Jesus? After all, they were experienced fishermen. Were they afraid this time because Jesus was not on the boat with them? Were they in despair because they had no way out?
Perhaps they forgot or did not know that Jesus’ eye was on them all the time from the start of their boat trip. And He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. Jesus was just waiting for the appropriate time to intervene. That hour had come and it was about the fourth watch of the night that He came to them, walking on the sea…” (Mark 6:47-48). His eye was on them all this time.
So it is with us in our daily struggles. We often ask, “Why do you not answer my prayers, Jesus? Why are you taking so long? Do you not see the difficulty I am in?” Jesus may not rush over to remove the source of my pain, frustration, fear and despair immediately. But His eye is on me.
On another note, Jesus walking on water was like the 20th miracle Jesus performed with his disciples around. Most of His miracles were shown to unbelieving people to help them believe. Why did Jesus show a miracle to those who were already followers, and who had witnessed 19 other miracles?
The disciples were utterly astounded, “for they did not understand about the loaves, .. their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:52) So it is with me. Jesus has helped me countless times throughout my life. I have seen His supernatural power, I have seen His miracles. Yet, when I am confronted with a new problem, I often turn to rely on myself and am impatient to see immediate results, and end up feeling frustrated, fearful and in despair. I forget that Jesus has His eye on me, and helps me as I surrender the problem to Him. That’s perhaps why Jesus lovingly continued to meet the disciples at their level, and showed them one more miracle. Just as He would for me.
“And when they (Jesus and Peter) got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (Matthew 14:33). May that be my daily praise.
Reflection Questions:
1. Recount how Jesus has been faithful and helped you in the past. Praise Him and worship Him for what He has done in our lives.
2. What storm of life are you in the midst of today? Do you see God’s hand to help you? Would you trust Him to meet you at your level? Would you turn to Him and surrender your pain, frustration, fear and despair?
3. What does our Lord wish you to do for His Kingdom? His eyes are upon you and He will empower you even if you feel that it is beyond your own strength. Would you take a step of faith and boldness for His Kingdom, at home, in the marketplace, in our communities?
