And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so [that it was already becoming filled]. But He was in the stern of the boat, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? He arose and rebuked the wind and said peace be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have not faith (no firmly relying trust)? And they were filled with great awe. Mark 4:37-41
Just as an occurrence of bad weather can stop us in our tracks and disrupt our plans, so can the storms of life. In these storms, we experience uncertainty and fear when we are suddenly bombarded with trying circumstances. On this certain day, Jesus’ disciples walked with Him, and were privileged to personally see and experience His wisdom, gentle love, and awesome power. Later that evening, Jesus said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” They got into the boat, and Jesus went to sleep in the stern. Then a furious windstorm arose, and the waves beat on the boat so that it was filling with water. The disciples were very afraid and woke the Master and said: “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” When storms arise in our lives, we are often like the disciples. Instead of holding on to the belief of Christ love and faithfulness to see us through: fear shouts doubt into our hearts, setting us up for unbelief in our loving, caring God who will always meet us at our point of need. Jesus answered the disciples’ accusation with questions: “Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith, no firm trust in Me?” He wanted them to look within their hearts….honestly look at…. then work out the emotions and reasons that would help build up and increase their future faith. He was not mad at the disciples for lacking faith in Him, and He did not withhold deliverance from the problem because of it. He arose and rebuked the wind and sea, saying, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a perfect peacefulness. Then the disciples were in a state of wonder and awe, recognizing that Jesus was God! Are you in the middle of a storm? Jesus knows all about it and will see you through to safety, even if your faith totters, because His is faithful. Keep looking to Him….He never fails!
