November 22nd, 25: Finding Rest and Courage in Jesus Amid Life's Storms

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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you.

TODAY'S EPISODE:

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into day 326 of our journey through the Bible, focusing on Matthew chapters 11 through 14. Together, we'll witness Jesus as he teaches, heals, and challenges the status quo—from answering John the Baptist's questions to performing miracles that inspire awe and raise controversy.

As Hunter guides us through the stories of faith, doubt, and divine compassion, we'll reflect on moments when Jesus walks unexpectedly into the storms of life and calls us to courage. There are prayers for wisdom, comfort in hard times, and encouragement to lean into God's joy—reminding each of us that we are loved and seen.

Whether you're facing headwinds in your own journey, seeking wisdom, or simply longing for the reassurance of God's presence, this episode is an invitation to put down your oars and listen for Christ's voice in every season. Let's gather around the Scriptures and let them shape our hearts, together.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

Jesus comes to us in the storm. Sometimes, the presence of God can seem almost terrifying—especially when it shows up in places or moments we least expect. The disciples learned this firsthand when Jesus came to them walking on the water in the midst of a storm. They were afraid, worn out from straining against the wind, doing all they knew to do: rowing with their own strength, growing exhausted and maybe even hopeless at the challenge before them.

We, too, often find ourselves in the same boat—facing the winds that come against our families, marriages, children, our lives. We dig deep, try harder, and in spite of it all, sometimes feel like we're getting nowhere. The normal response is to keep pushing and striving. But what if, like the disciples, we miss the presence of Jesus in the middle of our trouble, dismissing him as something "unreal," just a ghost amidst our exhaustion?

But Jesus steps into that place of fear and futility and speaks, "Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here." The invitation is to lay down our oars and trust him, to let him meet us where we are, to believe that his presence makes the impossible possible. When we respond, as Peter did, we can experience something different than we've ever known—we can walk on water, move through storms, see a new way forward.

Let's open our eyes to see him coming to us, even in the middle of nowhere, even when life feels overwhelming. Let's put down our striving and hear his voice. He's inviting us to courage, not fear; to rest, not more rowing; to faith, not despair.

That's the prayer I have for my own soul—that in the middle of my storms, I would recognize the Lord who comes for me. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and children. And it's the prayer I have for you, dear ones: May you see him in your storm, hear his invitation, and find rest in his abiding love.

May it be so.

TODAY'S PRAYERS:

Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.  

Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people ever