Mark 4:38

New International Version

 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?”

For Encouragement

It’s the weekend. A lot has transpired during the week. You are tired and need rest, but how can you when you have so much on your mind? You have envisioned a plethora of discomforting scenarios ahead. Some are threatening enough to shake your peace. Others look benign but pack the capacity to erupt into a catastrophe if not handled with prudence.

What is more disturbing is heaven’s silence. You had drenched your pillows with tears the last time you woke up. Your faith has suffered severe attrition over the period, and you are seriously interrogating God’s assurance of His constant presence with you and impossible desertion (Hebrews 13:6). His silence is disconcerting, for it gives credence to the idea of being oblivious to your dire need for His intervention. But remember, His silence does not signal His absence. He is with you, even amid your struggles. He cares deeply for you, even when it seems otherwise.    

Such is the dilemma when circumstances rise against us, and the going gets tough. We need food on the table but can’t visualize the next check. Our once beautiful relationship with our spouse, filled with promises, has soured, and now, a child has become a challenge. The boss has turned into a tyrant, and mornings have become tedious. With the lingering clouds and the sun’s brightness withheld, we feel overwhelmed. We hope to witness Him taking action to help us escape our situation. We want to see the hand of God move mightily to bring us relief.

Where are you, Lord? Don’t you care?

Maybe that’s your cry this morning. You’re not alone in this. You’re not the first nor the last. Just like Jesus’ disciples, who got caught in a fierce storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee (Mk 4:35-41), you, too, are facing turbulent waves.

Jesus commanded them to cross over to the other side with Him. A key lesson about God in the command can settle your heart in every situation. It is the certainty of His word and unquestionable ability to fulfill what He says He would do. Underline the phrase to the other side. That guaranteed their arrival. The sneak attack of the furious storm (37) was the bluff of the proud waves but a testing of the disciple’s faith. But remember, His word is overwhelmingly more powerful than any storm. 

Did they know God’s word? Psalm 121 affirms that the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, is the helper of His people. He never slumbers nor sleeps (2-4). Though Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion (Mark 4:38), He was aware of the sea’s bluff. His Omniscience never left Him, nor did  His sovereignty over His creation—the sea, winds, and waves. The disciples failed the faith test as they panicked and rebuked the Lord. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (38b)

Millions have asked the same question in prayers worldwide. Maybe you’re expressing the same doubt going into the weekend. Take heart, Christian, for when Jesus rises, three words from Him will silence the storm in your life (39). So, why are you so afraid? Hold on to your faith and let the wonder of His mighty deeds bring peace to garrison your heart and mind in Christ.

Have a blessed weekend, knowing that God is with you in your struggles, and His word is more powerful than any storm.