Trusting God’s Love in the Middle of Life’s Storms

AMY TURNER

In Mark 4:35-41 we’re told of a dangerous storm striking as Jesus and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee. The boat begins to fill with water, and the disciples, filled with fear, wake Jesus from sleep. In their alarm, they ask him, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus then rises and commands the wind and waves to be still. Instantly, the storm calms. Afterward, he questions his disciples, asking why they are so afraid and whether they still lack faith. The heart of this account is not about whether Jesus could calm the storm — his power was never in question. What mattered was the disciples’ trust in him.

Their words show us their doubt. Not doubt in his ability, but in his concern for them. Faith involves more than believing in God’s strength; it requires confidence in his constant love.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very ready help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Moving from Doubt to Trust in Jesus

AMY TURNER

The story of Thomas in John 20:25 shows us something important about belief. Thomas said he would not believe Jesus had risen unless he could see and touch the wounds himself. This moment doesn’t reject the need for proof—it shows the struggle between doubt and faith. Thomas had heard the other disciples say Jesus was alive, but he still held back. He wanted certainty before trust.

Jesus did not ignore Thomas’s doubt. Instead, He came to him and offered exactly what Thomas asked for: real, physical evidence. But Jesus also urged him to go beyond needing proof. “Do not disbelieve, but believe,” He said. Doesn’t this show us that faith isn’t about ignoring reason; it works with it. Faith also asks for a heart that is open, not just a mind full of questions.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t that we don’t have enough proof. It’s that we aren’t ready to let go and trust.

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

Teaching Kids About God’s Work

FLOYD ROGERS

Teaching children about God’s work in people’s lives is an important responsibility for every believer. A meaningful way to do this is by exploring stories from the Old Testament together. Parents and guardians can guide young people through the lives of figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, David, Joseph, and Joshua. These stories show how God acted in their situations, offering lessons about trust, obedience, and faith.

Spiritual growth does not happen by staying comfortable. God allows challenges and trials in order to strengthen faith and deepen understanding. No matter where someone is in their walk with God, they can expect their commitment to be tested. These tests are not meant to harm, but to help people learn more about themselves and about God’s nature.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

A thought about trusting God

FLOYD ROGERS

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to think everything is out of control. But if God truly controls all things, then your life is not without direction. God holds your life steady, even when it seems uncertain. Isn’t the real question whether you trust Him enough to believe He will lead you to make the right choices?

If your trust in God is complete, your main concern becomes one simple thing: is this decision part of God’s will? If the answer is yes, then you can move forward with confidence. This kind of faith brings peace, joy, and a calm heart, because you know God is guiding you.

Living this way means choosing, on purpose, to obey God no matter what might happen next. You trust Him with the outcome.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trusting God for Calmness in Troubling Times

AMY TURNER

Psalm 131:2 gives a gentle picture of peace, saying, “I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.” Just as a baby must learn how to settle and rest without constant help, people of faith also need to find peace within themselves. While parents can comfort and reassure a child, there comes a time when the child must learn to drift into rest on their own.

In the same way, believers often struggle with worry, fear, and restless thoughts. It’s common for our minds to become tangled with concerns, leading to inner unrest. Simply hearing comforting words or reminders of God’s promises is not always enough. We need to personally accept and trust those truths.

The calmness of a child resting quietly with its mother is a beautiful example of the peace available to anyone who places their trust in God. This quiet strength comes not from avoiding trouble but from learning to lean on God’s presence through it.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7