“On that day, when evening had come, he told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.” So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat. And other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
Are you experiencing a storm right now? Are you frightened by it? Do you fear perishing in this storm? Does it feel like God does not care about what’s happening around you? I understand if you are fearful because there is nothing beautiful about a storm; it wreaks things! They are sometimes very sudden and very violent. And sometimes it can feel like God is fast asleep while you’re left alone to navigate the raging storm.
This was the case for Jesus’ disciples. They were experienced fishermen on this very lake (Galilee), and they were frightened and feared perishing in the storm. While their boat was being rocked by the wind and waves, Jesus was fast asleep. Can you believe that? The storm got so bad; the disciples had to wake Jesus—and at their cry, He instantly awoke. Jesus woke at the cry of His disciples and He will do the same for us.
When we get into such trouble that we cannot help ourselves and feel our entire dependence on God, He will reveal His power. Just like Jesus did in the past for His disciples on that boat; He will rise up from His resting place and rebuke the wind and waves. He will not merely quiet the storm that surrounds us; He will rebuke it and it will obey!
You don’t have to be afraid of the storm that surrounds you. You know why? Because the man who speaks to winds and waves is in the boat with you! A small boat in a big storm is a scary place, and the initial fear itself isn’t wrong. What you choose to do with the fear will make all the difference. Choose to believe God’s word. He promises to take you to your destiny safely, so trust in that promise.
When we think Jesus doesn’t care about us, it shows we have no faith, because we don’t believe the truth about Jesus. Beloved, it takes great faith to trust the sleeping Jesus, to know that He cares and works for us even when it does not seem like it. This is the kind of trust God wants to build in us.
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.