Mark 4:35–41 ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ (v38)
You would think that being anywhere in the company of the Son of God, His followers would never be afraid.
But the terrible storm that springs up in today’s reading frightens these seasoned fishermen.
And where’s Jesus? He’s asleep! The disciples wake Him up; we can imagine their terror. Just a few words later, and Jesus has quietened the storm. ‘Quiet! Be still!’ (v39).
He asks the disciples why they’re so scared; we note in this passage that the disciples didn’t give Him a direct answer – at least, not one that is recorded.
Instead, they mutter to themselves about the identity of One who could calm a storm like this.
They are in the presence of One who has power over nature! Actually, it’s interesting to note that although they had lived with Him and had seen Him do amazing things, they still doubted Him when they were in trouble.
For us, the storms of life that inevitably come can serve to strengthen our faith, even when we feel as if our lives are about to be shipwrecked.
It’s so easy to let trials and difficulties almost drown us – and that can happen when we take our eyes off the One who is able to save us.
Worries and hardships can cause doubt to replace faith, and fear to replace stillness. It’s a gradual slide away from faith until we find ourselves at the place of questioning God: ‘Don’t You care?’ Yes, He does.
He cares enough to send His Son to die for us so we do not have to live in separation from our holy God.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father, there are times when, in the storm, I question whether You care. But I know You love me. Still my storm, I pray. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Are you in a storm today? Call the name of Jesus, and let Him speak words of stillness into the chaos. If it helps, speak with a Christian friend who can pray with you.
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 69:1–36; Isa. 53:1–12; Luke 10:38–42; John 11:17–37
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