Session 8

Every Line

From Able: A 10-Day Devotional

In this life, storms are inevitable.

Suffering can cause us to feel isolated, exhausted, and gripped by unimaginable fear. But you’re not alone and your pain is not for nothing. Romans 8:38 promises, “God works all things for good for those who are called according to his purpose.”

We know this promise is true because God said, and because others have lived it. In Matthew 14:28-33, Jesus calls the apostle Peter — whose birth name was Simon — out into the heart of one of the biggest storms Peter has ever seen. As the waves grow larger, Peter is filled with doubt and takes his eyes off Jesus. As Peter sinks into the dark waves, he cries out to Jesus to save him, and Jesus does so without delay.

Jesus does not want you to sink. Jesus wants you to call out to Him. Our power rests in Jesus and our dependence on Him and His word.

Jesus goes on to tell Simon Peter in Matthew 16:16 that his confession of Jesus as the Christ, the son of God, will be the rock on which Jesus builds His church.

God had this part of Peter’s story in mind from the beginning. That’s why the first thing Jesus does after He calls Simon as an apostle is to change his name to Peter, which comes from the same Greek word as “rock.”

Only God can take anyone — even the doubtful, desperate, sinking Peter — and use them to build the church.

Take heart! Everything you’re experiencing is intended to bring you good and to give God glory in the end. Let God write His story with your life.