Jesus Calms the Storms

The story is told in Mark 4:35-41of Jesus taking authority over the wind, the rain, and the sea.

The disciples and Jesus set out to cross the sea, but during their journey, “a furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.”

Verse 38 tells us that “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.”

When the storms come up in our lives, doesn’t it feel like God is sleeping?

I love the story of what American GIs found on the prison wall of a concentration camp.

The words read:

“I believe in the sun

even when it is not shining

And I believe in love,

even when there’s no one there.

And I believe in God,

even when he is silent.”

Verse 38 tells us that the disciples woke Jesus and asked him, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

No matter how many times God rescues us, each time we are in trouble, we forget what He is capable of, and sometimes we question if God cares at all.

I’m glad God is patient.

Jesus got up, calmed the storm, and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

I was told recently by a Christian minister I have long respected and admired that my sinful self tends toward fear, but what God wants for me is courage.

When I connect to God, I feel courageous, like nothing is impossible, and no circumstance is too extraordinary to overcome, but I am easily troubled.

I am newly self-employed after a lifetime of working for a paycheck.

When I am making deals and earning money, I am happy and on top of the world.

But give me a day or two of dry sales, and I start to cry out in fear to God, “Don’t you care!”

No matter how many times God demonstrates His love and His ability to provide, it seems whenever I run into trouble, my first response is, “God, don’t you care?”

I am praying for faith and courage.

I want to please God, and I know that when I trust Him, I do.

What about your life?

What challenges are you facing?

What makes you think God left you alone?

More importantly, what gives you courage?

Cry out to God when you face life’s challenges and then rejoice when He calms the storm.

Much love,

David Dellman