Mark 4:35-4:41 “Jesus calms the storm”
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
My Commentary
What would you do if Jesus was asleep and you needed His help?
Would you wake him up? Or let him rest, and take matters into your own hands?
In Mark’s famous story, the disciples are terrified, full of fear and doubt. They huddle aboard a small boat during a very heavy storm, convinced that soon they all will die! The disciples make a choice to save their lives. They wake Jesus and plea for help. Yet, even after they ask Jesus, they still are filled with doubt; unable to comprehend why Jesus won’t help them. Sometimes our faith gets tested in life. We pray for help, and grumble if aid doesn’t come fast enough. The gospel shows us how we must not let the fear take over- but rather, let our Faith overcome those fears. Jesus needs us to meet Him halfway and put our trust in Him to get through the storm. That’s not to say we won’t experience challenges ahead, but Jesus won’t let us sink. But first, we have to be the ones to grab ahold of that life boat and call on the Lord to help us!
In Mark 4:39, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” In Mark 4:40, “He said to His disciples, Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Despite Jesus’ many miracles that he performed in front of the disciples, and his teachings…they decide not to trust Him. If I could recall every time Jesus has gotten me through my “storms” and calmed my raging seas, I’d lose count! It’s hard to believe, but we need Faith in Jesus during our most troubled times. He will always guide you, and never disappoint you as long as you seek Him! He will wipe those tears from your eyes and help you move forward. There will always be challenges, but the more we put Jesus first in our lives, the less turmoil we face. The more peace we feel, the easier it will be to deal with those hardships when they come and to trust that they will pass. It’s important that we lean on Him the most during the storms, so He can show you the light at the end of the tunnel!
When I’m faced with adversity, and the weight feels like 1,000 pounds, I think, “Why has God let me suffer this way?” I get angry, resentful, frustrated…so human of us, right? By the way, it’s completely okay to feel all the emotions God gives you- to experience all the stages of grief; anger, sadness, fear, and complete defeat! That’s what makes us human! But I find it is important to stay in gratitude during those moments and rephrase my frustration. Instead of saying, “Why me God?” How about saying…"Thank you God…for I know you're the only one who can get me through this. Help me Jesus. Just like you calmed the seas in the storm, may you calm me. I trust you…I surrender everything: I put everything in your hands.” You’ll feel the burdens lift and His peace wash over you like an ocean wave.
Has your faith ever been tested like this before? I know mine has. I know it’s not an easy thing to do, but I have to remember to never lose hope even if the storm gets heavy and dark. Those dark moments are some of the most important times to lean on Him. The more we put the Lord first, the easier it will become to ride the waves, both the ebbs and flows. No matter what challenges life may bring our way, Jesus won’t let us drown, and wallow in self-pity any longer! Hold on and hang on!
Suggestions for Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all of my blessings; I have so much to be grateful for….in the good times, bad times and during the storms. You never cease to amaze me. Jesus, the next time I experience a storm, no matter how big or small, I ask that when I turn to you, I may be reminded of all the good memories in my life-and that you help me feel at peace again. I love you Lord and I trust in you. You are the captain of the ship now and I have confidence and faith that together, we won’t sink!
