A furious squall came up. The waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Where was Jesus? Fast asleep in the back of the boat! The disciples woke him with but one question on their minds, "Don't you care if we drown?"
They did what many of us do when the storms of life hit. They questioned the one they thought loved them. The one they thought would keep them from all harm.
We do that. We ask God why he would let bad things happen to
us- his children. We sort of expect him to give us a smooth, trouble-free life, but he never promised that. In fact, he said just the opposite:
"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)So, we need not be surprised when life brings us stormy seas. Trouble hits everyone and yes, it does sometimes raise questions in our minds. In fact, when the disciples questioned whether or not Jesus cared if they died, he had a question of his own...
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:30-41
"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Jesus knew the storm would hit. He is God, come in the flesh. He knew everything. So, why would he suggest crossing a lake when he knew a huge storm would hit them. Perhaps it was to prove to the disciples that no matter the danger, they could trust him. Perhaps it was to reveal to the disciples just how little faith they had in him. Perhaps it was to display the powerful saving grace of God.
Storms will hit - it's a part of living in a fallen and broken world. It's a part of life. Expect hard times to come. Before they do, anchor your faith in the one who has overcome the world. Rest assured that he will see you through the storm, providing whatever is needed.
Sometimes he calms the angry sea around you and sometimes he calms the angry storm within.
Trust the One who loves you beyond measure, the one who knows you better than you know yourself and please know that if he allows a storm, he'll go through it with you. Perhaps the storm is necessary to deepen your faith.
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