Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41 (NRSVUE)
What a miraculous site it must have been to be saved by Jesus in that moment in the boat. The disciples went from a fear that death was imminent, to making the choice to wake Jesus, onto relief of being saved and back to a fear of Jesus after the reality of this miracle sets in. What a transitional moment in the lives of the disciples as they experienced the reality of the power and Grace of Jesus. Just as Abraham and Sarah were told that she would be carrying a child at an advanced age by the Lord in the book of Genesis, stories of miracles are shared throughout scripture.
Disbelief, doubt and fear are some of the common denominators of emotions felt within these and other stories involving miracles. They are the same emotions that we feel today when we are confronted with challenges in life that we don’t understand. Illness, aging, unhappiness and damaged relationships can elicit disbelief in the situation, doubt in the future, and fear of what might come next. The good news is that we are saved children of God, eternally loved and gifted with Grace. Our God is an awesome God who challenges us, but also provides us with a path towards peace, forgiveness and healing just by believing in Him. So please take a moment, reflect on a situation in your life where you are being challenged and consider the avenues where God has provided you a way toward healing. Whether it be physical or spiritual, know that our Lord is here to love and guide us through it all.
Questions for Reflection:
- What challenge are you currently facing that is nudging you to lean into your belief in Jesus?
- How can you limit your disbelief, doubt or fear of what might come next?
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Our belief in you is sometimes challenged as we matriculate through what life puts in our path. Remind us that we are saved by your Grace, guided by your light and always loved by You.
Amen
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