Word in Christ

FAITH Have you ever been in a situation when suddenly, without warning, your life seems to be hit by a storm of hurricane proportions (4:37, AMP)? The sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden storms. The disciples knew that waves of that size could overturn their boat and take their lives. Yet, Jesus was asleep (v.38). Sometimes when the storms come it appears that God is not doing anything. He does not seem to be answering your prayers or even listening to you. In times like this, your faith is being tested. Eventually, Jesus calms the storm. He addresses the power behind the storms with words someone might use to a puppy: 'Quiet! Be still!' (v.39), showing he is Lord over nature. For the disciples, the passage starts with fear and ends with faith. A crisis tests your faith. Jesus wants you to learn to conquer your fears and trust him even in the middle of the storms of life. Next, Jesus demonstrates that he is Lord over the powers that try to destroy our lives...

God's incomparably great power When the New Testament writers speak of God's love they point to the cross. When they speak of God's power they point to the resurrection. God's 'incomparably great power' was 'exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead' (Ephesians 1:19 –20 ). The risen Jesus says to his disciples, 'All authority (all power to rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18, AMP). The resurrection means that the risen Jesus is present with you now. Jesus continues, 'I am with you always' (v.20). The result of the resurrection is not only his power and his presence but also his provision. Nicky Gumbel

Hope painting by Frederick Watts We do not want you to ... grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The word "hope" is used to describe various perceptions. We say, "I hope the price of gold will go up"; or "My husband is sick, I hope he will be better soon." In these cases hope expresses our everyday expectations. However, it also has another meaning: in the Tate Art Gallery in London hangs a striking painting by Frederick Watts. The title of the painting is "Hope". A beautiful woman is sitting on the globe. She is blindfolded and in her hand she holds a lute. All but one of the strings is broken. The woman sits bent forward touching the one string with her finger, listening. She is filled with hope  – believing the best in the worst possible circumstances. As long as Christian hope is alive, life cannot break us; we will not go down under the weight of our problems and afflictions. We know that God is a...