Mark 4:35-41
Jesus Calms the Storm: “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ’Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ’Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
Was this one of the first glimpses of Jesus you had in your younger years? I remember this being in our children’s first book of Bible stories. The story teaches us to trust God, so we never have to be afraid. It sounds so simple, but is it easy? We have all been in situations that test this simple truth. Our hearts want to trust, yet our minds don’t always seem to listen.
The disciples faced real fear. In these verses, the storm was a physical experience, but storms come in all forms - waiting for a medical diagnosis, cutbacks at work, trouble in a relationship, etc. There are scenarios where fear slowly creeps into our minds and spreads through our veins.
Jesus could have pointed out the disciples’ immature faith as their fear was strong, but instead he taught by example. In his book, On the Anvil, Max Lucado says Jesus calmed the storm so his shivering disciples wouldn’t miss his response to their fear. Thinking about this gesture, Jesus not only answered the disciples, but each of us when we ask that common human question, “Where is God when I hurt or am afraid?” Mr. Lucado’s answer is as simple as the example God gives us in Mark 4: "God IS listening and healing. That’s where he is. He cares.”
Warren Weirsbe, the Bible commentator from Lincoln, says “It is not enough for us merely to learn a lesson or be able to repeat a teaching. We must also be able to practice that lesson by faith, and that is one reason God permits trial to come into our lives.” A storm is an opportunity; it is an opportunity to re-prioritize our life and strengthen our faith.
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, says to “exert your will to trust God in all circumstances. Don’t let your need to understand distract you from his presence.” Instead of reacting in fear, we need to change our focus to one of trust. What peace we could have if we would practice this in all circumstances.
The disciples were just getting to know Jesus and really learn what he was about. As they said in verse 4, “Who is this?” Despite being personally in his presence, they still underestimated him. It was hard for them to see that his power applied to their daily situations. Jesus has now been with us for over 20 centuries, but do we know him? Do we still underestimate his power in our lives by not trusting him enough?
When our anxiousness and worry are too great and overtake us, we need to confess our need for God and practice trusting him. Whenever we face storms, it comes down to two options: we can worry and assume Jesus doesn’t care about us; or we can resist worrying and trust in him. “God’s servant, Jesus Christ, is the master of every situation and the conqueror of every enemy,” says Warren Weirsbe. We all know that is so; we just need to start practicing it in all situations.
Questions for Reflection:
- What causes you to lose trust in God and become fearful, and what can you do to overcome it?
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven,
When we face trials and tribulations in our lives, please help us to trust in you always and remember that you are always by our side. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Login To Leave Comment