Jan 29: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   January 29, 2025

Weekly Reading: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25

Wednesday Reflection

Faith in the Midst of Fear: When the disciples were overwhelmed by fear, Jesus challenged their lack of faith. This teaches us that faith does not eliminate the storms, but it gives us the confidence to trust Jesus through them.

Wednesday Verse

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I grow in trusting Jesus more deeply when I face fear or uncertainty? In what ways can I develop confidence in His presence to carry me through life’s storms?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

There is a lot to discover in this brief episode in Jesus’ life. One thing that has captured my attention is that Jesus initiated the trip, “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).Mark 4:35-36 (NLT) We can create all kinds of problems for ourselves by going off on our own and jumping ahead of God because we don’t think He will act the way we want Him to. However, in this case, it was clear Jesus initiated the trip, the timing, and the means. God has never promised to remove all difficulty or pain if we faithfully follow Him. Even a surface reading of the Bible, including Jesus’ life, shows us that men and women who faithfully followed God’s lead often encountered trials and troubles. God uses these in several ways:

  1. To test our faith in Him. Not to trick us but to show us where we need to grow and rely on Him more.
  2. To help us build a stronger faith. Like muscles, faith grows and strengthens through endurance.
  3. To show others that God’s plans are good and that He will always provide for and care for us.

Jesus wanted His friends to learn that in any situation, God could be trusted to understand and meet their needs. He cares so much about us and the potential impact of our lives that He tailors opportunities for us to learn and grow.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2–4 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org