One Thousand Gifts: The Calmer of Storms

Then [Jesus] got in the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” – Matthew 8:23-24

A storm was brewing several weeks ago as we pleaded with God for a “yes”. The fervor of our prayers was, in part, out of fear that the gale winds would rage full force if the answer was “no”.

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” – Matthew 8:26a

As the wait continued longer than we anticipated, we grew strengthened in our faith that the Lord would carry us through the storm if that was the path He chose for us. By the time the answer came, we were resting in Him, knowing that He would hold us firmly in His grip. We were ready to face the storm.

Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was complete calm. – Matthew 8:26b

But Jesus is the calmer of storms. The tamer of gale winds. Surely in the heavens, He quieted the storm on our behalf.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him?” – Matthew 8:27

We are amazed. And so grateful.

And so begins the counting of gifts this week.

524. God calming the storm before the gale winds blew
525. Him bringing sweet closure to the request
526. already being able to see the blessing of this “no”

527. Wednesday night bible study with our faith family
528. dinner and fellowship beforehand
529. hands that prepare the meals
530. they are not mine (I am not a cook!)

531. an entry for a giveaway

532. crying tears as I read Angie’s book

533. pumpkins

534. her

535. my kids getting all riled up and silly with one another

536. unusually mild autumn
537. leaves letting go
538. tree ablaze

539. being deeper in love with my man than ever before

540. a friend joining us in giving

541. watching my boy run (cross country)

542. grace-filled words from Ann Voskamp, Angie Smith, and Sally Clarkson, streamed and tweeted from The Relevant Conference