Mark 4:41

New International Version

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

For Encouragement

 If  you have never been afraid in life, please wave to the Lord. You have always been at peace in every situation, never worried about anything, never been anxious, and never stepped away from any threatening situation in your life. Perfect art thou, friend! You must be living in heaven. However, if you are flesh and blood, walking on this planet, and have never experienced any of those emotional stresses, you deserve a gold medal for self-delusion. 

You are not from Mars if you have ever suffered from any of these emotions. You are perfectly human, susceptible as everyone else, and do not differ from the young lady who called her mother from school, absolutely drained and exhausted by the heavy academic work schedule, holding up the white flag. In fact, you share space with the millions of people who are overwhelmed by everything surrounding them and have lost hope.

You are of the pedigree of Abraham in Egypt (Gen. 12:10-13), Isaac at Gerar (Gen. 26:7), Jacob meeting Esau (32:3-12), Moses fleeing Egypt (Exod 2:14-15), Gideon and the Midianites (Judges 6:36-40), David among the Philistines (1 Sam. 27:1-4), Elijah and Jezebel (1 kings 19:1-5), the disciples after the crucifixion (Jn. 20:19), the Apostle Paul’s sail to Rome (Acts 27:20), and your most revered pastor or spiritual leader. They all lost it at some point, but for the mercy and grace of God. They may have displayed ironclad faces, but internally, they screamed for a deliverer. Recall the short boat ride of Jesus with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee (Mk. 4:35-41).

It was a day of parables by the seaside, and an exhausting experience for the Jesus evangelistic campaign (Mk. 4:1-34). The evening cast its shadows on the shores, so the disciples looked forward to a good meal and a restful night. However, He called them to cross the sea to the other side with Him. While they labored through the night, Jesus slept on the stern. Our Lord was fully human like you. He was exhausted and slept without considering what could possibly develop. Suddenly, a furious squall came up and threatened their lives (37).

“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (38). 

Jesus just got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, Quite! Be still! 

I love Mark’s description of the scene.

Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm.

Amazed, the disciples asked what manner of Man He is that the wind and the waves obeyed?

He is Jesus, the Creator of those elements. They hear His voice and bow to His command. You are His beloved redeemed He loves. He will protect you through every storm.

So, when you find yourself in a tense situation that threatens your peace, look to Him who never sleeps or slumbers, but walks with you. Deal with the now as He did, go to sleep in peace. Why do you envisage tomorrow and drag yourself into needless stress attacks (Matt 6:34)? Your Lord knows where He is taking you and will not leave you stranded amid the storm (Mk. 4:39-40). He has authority over all aspects of your life and will handle them appropriately. Anchor your faith in this great God when the tempest arises (40), and He will keep and encourage you to calmly face your storms.

Pray with Me

Lord of all creation, I am delighted to sail through the storms of life with you and not alone. The truth that nothing can drown me because of your presence is reassuring. It gives me the confidence to soar like the eagle to enjoy the peace above the clouds where no other bird can fly. Thank you, in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

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