The "circle of trust" and the wave whisperer

Today: Luke 8-9

If you've ever seen the movie "Meet the Parents", you're probably familiar with a little concept called the "circle of trust." :)

For most of us, the "circle of trust" in our lives is relatively small.

I can't tell you how many people I've met--including younger twentysomething people like me--who suffer from trust issues. Too many people have been burned--perhaps by friends who betrayed them, companies that discarded them, parents who abandoned them, politicians who lied to them, ex-boyfriends or girlfriends who cheated on them...you name it. These experiences have left our world full of walking wounded. It is very difficult for people who have been hurt to trust--their question is, "Who can you really trust anyway?"

On the flip side, there are some people who actually have a few great friends, co-workers, parents, and family members they trust. However, they recognize that this is rare and hold those friendships--and their respective "circles of trust" tightly. In these cases, it can be difficult for anyone--including God--to get in the circle. Here the question becomes, "Why do I need to trust anyone else?"

To be honest, I've probably found myself in both places at different times in my life. But sooner or later, a storm comes along...something so big I can't handle it by myself or even with the help of great people in my life.

I was reminded of that today by actual events in my life (which I won't go into detail about here) and by reading this passage (God's Word can be so timely sometimes!). Here's the story:

One day he and his disciples got in a boat.

"Let's cross the lake," he said.

And off they went.

It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep.

A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake.

Water poured in, and they were about to capsize.

They woke Jesus: "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

Getting to his feet, he told the wind, "Silence!"

and the waves, "Quiet down!"

They did it.

The lake became smooth as glass.

Then he said to his disciples, "Why can't you trust me?"

Jesus has the power to whisper to waves and calm them. If He can do that, He can change situations in our lives or help us get through them. Whatever happens, the point is that He has proven He's worthy of our trust. He will stick by us. All we have to do is ask Him to lead the "circle of trust" in our lives.

Tomorrow: Luke 10-11