When the Storm is Raging

Week 2 Why so fearful?

In the New Testament, we see that on two occasions the Lord places the disciples into a boat and a storm arises. Storms that make the disciples afraid. This week we will look at one of the storms.

In Mark 4:35-41, we learn that Jesus enters a boat and tells His disciples that they are going to pass to the other side:

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. Mark 4:35‭-‬36

Now in this statement, He says "Let us pass over..." which should have encouraged His disciples when the storm arose but as they looked at the great wind and the water entering the boat, they became afraid, all they could see at that moment was the size of the storm. The disciples forgot that Jesus had already told them that they were going to the other side.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Mark 4:37‭-‬38

So, as the water filled the boat they went and woke up Jesus. (Stop and let that sink in for a moment. Jesus was sleeping on this boat that was being beaten by the waves and filled with water. He did not worry or panic over the storm because He knew they were passing over.) The disciples had become so afraid that they accused, the master of not caring.

Here is where we need to pause for a moment and look at this scenario in our own lives. How many times have we called to the Lord because the storm looked too big to survive? How many times have we stepped out in faith trusting the Lord but the minute the wind picked up we doubted the call?

Doesn't that sound a little bit like Mark 4:35-41? Jesus told them they were passing over! He did not say it would be on calm water or with blue skies. Yet, when things got scary; when the waves got bigger from the wind, they accused Jesus of not caring. The disciples became afraid and doubted that they would pass over.

As children of God, we must remember that Jesus told us there would be rough waters. He warned us that the adversary was looking to destroy us.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

But God has also told us that by Jesus' sacrifice, death, and resurrection if we receive Him as Lord and Saviour we too are passing to the other side!

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Back to the scriptures, Jesus did not leave them afraid. He spoke to the wind and the sea and they obeyed. The storm ended and it was calm.

And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:39-40

Today you may feel like you are drowning. You may be looking at the storm and wondering if you will survive. Don't lose faith! Call out to the Lord and He will meet you in your fears and bring peace. He is the only one who can bring a "great calm."

God cares and He is bigger than the raging storm! He can calm the wind and the waves!

(Next week we will look at the second storm.)