Jesus and his disciples decided to cross to the other side of the lake. In the meantime, a storm arose, and the disciples became anxious as the wind picked up and the waves grew stronger. Jesus slept peacefully, seemingly unaware of the storm around them.

 

The disciples woke him. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39, NIV) I believe the disciples were astonished. Jesus, in turn, was surprised by their fear and questioned their faith.

 

Our lives often feel stormy. Just as the disciples stared at the towering waves and fierce wind on the stormy sea, we too fix our eyes on overwhelming circumstances and challenges that appear impossible to overcome. Many questions arise within us. The disciples asked Jesus in Mark 4:38, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?” We often ask similar questions when the ocean of our lives becomes turbulent and panic threatens to swallow us. Yet Jesus’ counter-question in verse 40 provides a clear and simple answer once again: hold firmly to your faith.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to not fix my eyes on the stormy sea around me. Help me to remember that in every turbulent circumstance, you remain in control and you still the storms within me. Amen