How many storms have you weathered? Anyone who has been on the water very much probably found himself in a storm. Few people enjoy boating across a tempestuous lake, let alone a sea. I imagine many more prayers enter God’s throne room during terrible storms than when fishing on beautiful days.
Jesus and His disciples found themselves in a storm one day (Mark 4:35-41). During this storm, Jesus slept on a pillow in the stern of the boat. The disciples were distraught at the sea. The winds blew and the waves beat into the boat, filling it with water. They woke Jesus asking, “…Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38 NKJV). Jesus stood in the midst of the boat. He spoke, “…Peace, be still! …” (Mark 4:39). The winds and sea became calm. He asked, “…Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ power. What can we learn from this event in the life of Jesus?
Jesus was in the storm with the disciples. He did not leave them alone for a minute. He was not swayed by the situation, but the disciples forgot Who was with them.
We need to focus on Jesus, not on the storms of life. Jesus has the ability to help us through every terrible situation in life. However, difficult situations of life can take our attention off of Jesus.
Faith is seen in how we handle difficult situations. It is easy to sing “What a friend we have in Jesus” when life is going our way. Keeping our faith during difficult times teaches us to “trust and obey.”
Storms of life are temporary. The difficulties of life can last a really long time, but they will not last forever. We need to trust in the One who can deliver us.
We do not need to allow the difficult times of life to define us. We are not quitters and doubters. We are the children of the Almighty God. Let us put our hope and trust in Him, always.
