Storms

While storms tossed waves into the boat, the disciples panicked, yet Jesus slept. Upon awakening, Jesus rebuked the storms---and He rebuked the disciples. If there were any time to be concerned, in the midst of nearly drowning should rank pretty high up there. But our Savior rebuked their very fears. Now, He wasn't rebuking them for doub ting what He said He'd do. No, He rebuked the very fact that they would doubt what went unspoken--that He could and would make everything alright.

If Jesus rebukes such thought, how much more does He rebuke our "what if's" and "but's" and "if only's".

What is God calling you to do today that you are putting off because you are too focused on a storm and not focused enough on Him?

The reality is, if the disciples had their minds on Christ, the storm would have been irrelevent.

God is calling many to go to Somalia, but there are enough excuses not to. Where is your focus--on Christ's power over the storm, or on the storm?

Where two or more are gathered

The Word of God says that where 2 or more are gathered, He is there in the midst of them. It also tells us that if we ask, we shall receive. When we look at the situation in Somalia today, one might question, "Why is God being silent in the midst of all of this?" However, God is not being silent--Christians all over the world are being silent--neglecting Somalia because it is "too dangerous", but the Lord God Almighty is ready to move His hand and do mighty works in that nation. If only believers would gather and lift up our Somali brothers and sisters, and believe in Him for change, for hope, for miracles. He will surely answer.

Refuge

In some areas of Mogadishu, people not only are without food and water, but shelter is scarce. The more fortunate might scrape up some money to pay for a few minutes under a tree to get out of the scorching sun. But for most, there is no refuge at all.

The weather isnt the only problem for Somalis in Mogadishu. Many people talk of sleeping on the streets, hardly getting any rest out of fear, gunshots and explosions surrounding them. They are weak from exhaustion, from dehydration, and hunger. They long for refuge.

Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Even where there are physical limitations, God extends His hand beyond. How much more, we who know Him prefer to have His refuge than to have a mere shelter. His refuge not only keeps the sun off of us and protects us from the rain. It keeps us safe and secure and fearless. For in Him, we have no need to worry.

Isn't it marvelous to think of His refuge? It brings comfort and joy. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Power to the weak, strength to the powerless

Isaiah 40:29 says that He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was faithful in the lives of His people. The same God is the one we call Father--the creator of the world, our help, our redeption. He has not overlooked Somalia. The Word of God says where two or more are gathered, there He is in the midst of them. We are promised that our requests will not only be heard, but that we will receive abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Today, many Somali believers feel weary. They are tired. They are hungry. They are weak. But God is faithful. He is rest. He is nourishment, He is strength,

Run, for you will not grow weary. Walk for you will not grow faint. Trust in Christ alone.