TeaTime Devotional June 30th, 2025

Written By:  Jean Johnson

Scripture:                 Mark 4:39 KJV

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Testimony:

I remember being on a cruise when an unexpected storm hit. The calm ocean swayed with force, and the ship stretched to its limits under the relentless waves. Yet, the captain’s calm focus amazed me as he skillfully guided us to safety, stretching his abilities until calmness was restored. This moment reminded me of life’s storms; times when things feel unstable and overwhelming. Just as the captain stretched his skills to steer the ship, God is present in my storms, calming my fears and stretching my faith. Mark 4:39 beautifully shows Jesus’ power over the storm. While I often wish storms would pass quickly, God uses them to stretch me, teaching me to develop deeper trust and perseverance in him.

Edify:

Today, I want to remind you that Mark 4:39 reminds us of Christ's power to calm any storm, both in nature and in our lives. When facing challenges, we may feel stretched to our limits, but this stretching serves a purpose. Just as muscles grow stronger when stretched and tested, our faith deepens when we trust God through the storms. Instead of fearing the stretch, embrace it as an opportunity to grow in trust, patience, and dependence on Him, knowing that He will bring peace in His perfect timing.

Apply:

In our lives, being stretched often comes in the form of challenges, uncertainties, or moments that push us beyond our comfort zones. To apply this, you can start by recognizing that these moments are opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. When faced with stress or difficulty, pause and pray, asking God for the strength and guidance you need. Reflect on His promises, like His faithfulness to calm the storms of life, and remind yourself that He is using this stretch to build your character and deepen your faith. Embrace patience, lean into God's Word, and trust His timing, knowing that every stretch is part of His plan to prepare you for greater things.