09/03/2026
When Jesus Enters Our Storm
Last Sunday morning, I preached from Mark 4 about the disciples caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. We talked about how quickly the calm of one moment can give way to the turbulence of the next. The disciples had obeyed Jesus. They were in the boat because He had told them to get there. And yet, they found themselves in the middle of a storm.
As I walked through the foyer after the service, something caught my attention through the windows. A little girl was running down the sidewalk when, suddenly, she fell on her hands and knees. Almost immediately, her mother ran to her. She picked her up, comforted her, and helped her back to her feet.
It was such an ordinary moment, but I couldn’t help but think about the message I had just preached.
The storms of life come in many forms.
Sometimes they come as something frightening and overwhelming. Sometimes they come through disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or circumstances we never saw coming. And sometimes, like that little girl, we simply stumble and fall.
But there was something comforting about watching that mother run to her daughter.
The little girl didn’t have to find her mother.
She didn’t have to convince her mother to come.
She didn’t have to explain what had happened.
Her mother saw her fall, and she came running.
That reminded me of the heart of our Savior.
When the disciples were caught in the storm, Jesus was there. He didn’t abandon them because the wind was blowing or the waves were rising. He entered into their storm with them.
And that is still who Jesus is.
He doesn’t promise that we will never fall. He doesn’t promise that we will never face a storm. But He does promise that we will never face them alone.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
God is not distant from our struggles. He draws near.
Sometimes we look for God’s mercy in the extraordinary, some miraculous answer, the dramatic breakthrough, or the unmistakable sign. But God’s mercies are often present in the ordinary moments of our lives.
A mother running to her fallen child.
A friend who calls at just the right moment.
A door that opens when we thought every door was closed.
A Scripture that suddenly speaks directly to our circumstances.
A quiet assurance in the middle of uncertainty.
A strength we didn’t know we had.
A peace that doesn’t make sense considering what we’re facing.
These are reminders that God’s mercies are all around us.
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.”
Every day gives us another opportunity to recognize the mercy of God.
So today, look around.
Pay attention to the seemingly insignificant moments. You may discover that God is teaching you something about Himself through the ordinary events of your day.
The little girl fell.
Her mother came running.
And for just a moment, I was reminded that when God’s children stumble, hurt, or find themselves caught in the storms of life, our heavenly Father is not standing at a distance. He is near.
He sees us.
He knows us.
He cares for us.
And when we need Him most, Jesus enters our storm.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize Your presence not only in the great moments of life, but also in the ordinary ones. When storms come, remind me that You are near. When I stumble, remind me that Your mercy is greater than my failure. And when life seems overwhelming, help me to see the evidence of Your compassion all around me. Thank You for being the God who comes near. Amen.
