Watch the replay of the message, "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Day 1: Obedience Despite Uncertainty
Message: "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away." - Matthew 14:22
Devotional: Jesus instructed the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him, knowing the storm they would encounter. They obeyed, even when it led them into challenging circumstances. True faith often requires us to trust God's direction, even when we can't see the outcome.
Reflect on a time when God asked you to do something that didn't make sense. How did it turn out? Are there areas in your life now where you need to trust God's guidance over your own understanding? Commit to taking one step of obedience today, trusting that God will direct your path.
"What if I told you that our storms are scheduled?" - Pastor Dexter
Reflection Question: How might your current challenges look different if you viewed them as 'scheduled' opportunities for growth rather than random obstacles?
Prayer: Lord, help me trust that You're not surprised by my struggles. Give me the strength to see my challenges through Your eyes and the courage to grow through them. Amen.
Day 2: Courage in the Storm
Message: "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'" - Matthew 14:27
Devotional: When waves crash against our lives, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. The impact isn't just physical - it affects us emotionally and spiritually too. Yet in these moments, God's message remains consistent: 'Take courage.' This isn't mere positive thinking; it's a divine command backed by God's presence. Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear - it means moving forward despite it. God understands our human tendency to panic when circumstances seem overwhelming. That's why He repeatedly reminds us to take heart, to stand firm, to be courageous. This courage isn't based on our own strength but on His faithful presence in our lives.
"The storm might have surprised the disciples, but it did not surprise God." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: What situation in your life right now requires you to 'take courage' and trust God's presence more than your fears?
Prayer: Father, fill me with Your courage today. Help me remember that Your presence is greater than any storm I face. Grant me the strength to stand firm in faith. Amen.
Day 3: Stay in Your Boat
Message: "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4
Devotional: When life gets tough, our natural instinct is often to escape. We might be tempted to abandon our responsibilities, relationships, or commitments when storms arise. However, sometimes the very place that feels most uncomfortable is exactly where God wants us to be. Just as the disciples needed to stay in their boat during the storm, we too must learn to persist in our God-given assignments, even when it's difficult. Leaving our 'boat' - our divine assignment - might provide temporary relief, but it could prevent us from experiencing God's greater purpose for our lives. Remember, your presence in your current situation might be crucial not only for your growth but for others' benefit as well.
"Don’t try to escape what God has called you to endure" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: What 'boat' might God be asking you to stay in right now, even though it feels uncomfortable?
Prayer: Dear God, give me the strength to remain faithful to Your calling, even when it's difficult. Help me trust Your purpose in my current situation. Amen.
Day 4: Faith in the Person of Christ
Message: "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:30-31
Devotional: It's easy to misunderstand faith as a tool for getting what we want - better circumstances, solved problems, or achieved goals. However, true faith isn't about acquiring things or accomplishments; it's about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. When Peter walked on water, his miracle wasn't just about defying physics - it was about trusting Jesus personally. This truth transforms how we approach our challenges. Instead of focusing on the outcome we desire, we can concentrate on deepening our trust in Jesus Himself. When our faith is in the Person rather than the provision, we find a peace that transcends our circumstances.
"Our faith is not for stuff or achievements; It's in a person: Jesus Christ" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: How might your approach to current challenges change if you focused more on knowing Jesus better through them rather than just getting through them?
Prayer: Jesus, help me to seek You more than solutions. Let my faith be firmly planted in who You are, not just what You can do. Amen.
Day 5: Recognizing Jesus as Lord
Message: "Navigating Turbulence" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” Matthew 14:32-33
Devotional: After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" This moment of recognition changed everything. Today's passage reminds us of Christ's true identity and supreme authority.
Spend time today meditating on who Jesus really is. How does fully embracing His lordship change the way you approach your daily life and challenges? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a fresh revelation of Christ's power and authority, and to help you surrender every area of your life to His leadership.
"Jesus is more than a man; He is God. He has mastery over time, space and matter." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: Can you recall a time when God's timing, though different from what you wanted, proved to be perfect in hindsight?
Prayer: Jesus, help me to fully embrace Your lordship. Today I choose to trust You during the storms of my life. Amen.
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