Mark 4:39
Jesus had been teaching His disciples about the power of His Word, and now He would give them an object lesson. It would be a practical test to see just how much they had learned. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word, and faith must be tested through life’s circumstances. The disciples’ test of faith comes in the form of a powerful storm at sea. It must have been especially fierce if it frightened such experienced fisherman like they were. While the wind howled and the sea churned, Jesus was asleep in the stern of the boat. In a panic, they wake Him up and say, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Their perception of the situation was not reality. Jesus could sleep in the storm because He was in perfect control. The Bible says that Jesus spoke to the storm like it was a pet puppy–Peace, be still! And immediately there was a great calm.
He did not stop with the storm. The greatest danger was not on the outside in the form of a storm. The greatest danger they faced was on the inside of them in the form of unbelief. It was their unbelief that caused their fear and led them to question the Lord’s compassion. We must be on guard when we find ourselves in the various ‘storms’ of life–a bad diagnosis, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a season of discouragement. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves questioning whether or not God cares. The truth is that He does, and He is in perfect control of life’s storms. We can always trust in Him to speak His peace into our situation. That doesn’t always mean the absence of a storm, but it does guarantee His peace and strength in the midst of it.
When you find yourself in a storm, don’t panic. When things feel like they are spinning out of control, remember that you know the Lord who controls the wind and the waves. Pray! Trust in Him.
“Father, I praise You today for being the Lord of the storm. I can rest in Christ who is my peace, regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For more, read Mark 4:35-41; Hebrews 3:12
