Weather the Storm
Today’s Verse:
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. ~Mark 4:39
We are in the midst of our winter season. On the East Coast and many parts of the Mid West, a major storm alert was issued for people to be careful and to try to stay indoors as much as possible. It can be very treacherous to travel during a storm, especially when travelling by water. This morning, we are looking at a very familiar passage of scripture, and it deals with a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Let us consider how to weather a storm in our lives.
We see an unwavering COMMAND.
“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side,” vs. 35. Jesus commanded the disciples to go with Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. A command is a requirement to be obeyed. Even though the disciples were tired from a full day of ministry and training, Jesus had a destination in mind for them. Let us be reminded that in the midst of our busy lives, we are to be always ready to obey the Lord. The fact that Jesus would accompany them on this trip was to help them not take for granted the Lord’s presence when we are given a command.
We see an unexpected COMMOTION.
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full,” vs. 37. The Sea of Galilee, because of its location, was known as a place where storms could occur unexpectedly. The disciples were familiar with this. However, the storm they encountered that night was unlike any storm they had experienced before. A very strong wind blew upon them and caused the waves to beat heavily on their vessel, even to the place where much water was coming into it. Very quickly, they were at a place of great personal risk. Storms can come unexpectedly and with much force. We cannot adequately prepare for a storm that might sink us.
We see the uneasy CONCERNS.
“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?” vs. 38. The men were very scared! They were concerned as to where Jesus was! He was asleep in the hinder part of the ship. Their first thought was, “How could Jesus be asleep when we are at risk of drowning?” However, let us remember that storms don’t bother Jesus! He is Lord of the storms! Second, Jesus was in the vessel with them, but they did not see the storm as an opportunity for God to build their faith. The panicked and accused the Lord of not being concerned about their welfare! Our faith is most tested when we are in a storm. The request of the disciples for help was more out of selfishness than for the Lord to be glorified.
We see an unsurpassable CAPABILITY.
“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,” vs.39. Jesus demonstrated His power as Lord over the storm! He rebuked the wind and uttered three words that still every storm: “Peace, be still.” What power! He took control of the storm and brought it into submission to Him. He is able to still your storm no matter how fierce the winds are blowing.
We see an untroubling CALM.
Notice that the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. There was a peace and calmness that was unexplainable, except for the fact that Jesus was the One Who made it possible. Let Jesus weather the storms in your life.
We see an unsatisfactory CONFIDENCE.
The Bible says that the disciples feared exceedingly. Jesus addressed their fear by saying, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” They had no faith! What an indictment against these men! The storm pointed out that the men were in need of greater faith.
If we wish to weather the storms in our lives, let us take heed to the lesson in our devotion. Don’t take the presence and power of Jesus for granted. Determine to “believe” that He is able to weather every storm.
Have a storm-proof God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 46-47