“…Even the winds and the waves obey Him.” – Mark 4:41 (NIV)
The disciples’ biggest fear wasn’t the wind in Mark 4:37-41, as was revealed in their question, “Don’t you care if we drown?” (Verse 38). We, too, question God when the diagnosis comes, when the relationship we have is not working as expected, when the money runs out, etc.
Jesus asked this question: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Verse 40). It sounds harsh, but it is an invitation to stop them from panicking, not an embarrassment. He’s pointing out what the storm was really about.
The two purposes were to:
1. To expose fear. Storms show up what or who we’re actually trusting: Control? Money? People? Our own strength? Friends, do not let your faith go quiet.
2. To reveal Jesus. Immediately after the storm had calmed, the terrified disciples asked each other, “Who is this?” (Verse 41). The storm just did not teach them to survive. It taught them Who was in the boat with them. They now knew Jesus had (and has) all authority over the wind, over the waves, and over our lives.
For Christians today: Your boat is where you operate daily: work, home, school, etc. So, when the storm finally stays longer than you expected and then suddenly stops, don’t just celebrate the calm. Ask yourself, “What has changed in you? Are you the same person who got in the boat?” You shouldn’t be; you’ve got a testimony now: You’ve seen Him calm what you could not control.
Jesus is not asleep; He is present in the middle of every chaos of those who believe in Him, and He is waiting for you to call His name. When He speaks, storms listen, everything obeys His voice, and the same voice that forms the sea can calm your sea of whatever storm that is raging, even when it looks like there’s no way out.
Storms are uninvited, friend, but God is able.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You know the storm I’m in right now. I’ve been asking, “How long? Don’t you care?” Forgive me for thinking You’re asleep, remind me that You’re here with me, always. So, I speak to every uninvited storm in my life, “Peace, be still,” in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Numbers 23:19; Psalm 36:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 76; Acts 13:42-52; Acts 14:1-7; 1 Kings 7:23-51; 1 Kings 8:1-21