35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? ”39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41(NIV).
After a long day of ministry, Jesus was tired and fell asleep. The destination was set—they were going to the other side of the lake. The disciples had crossed this lake many times, and at least four of them were professional fishermen who had navigated through storms before. However, a fierce storm blew in, causing the disciples to fear for their lives. Their fear was so intense that they woke Jesus up. The first thing Jesus did was confront their lack of trust. He asked them, “Why are you afraid?”
In reality, they had every reason to be frightened: waves were crashing over the boat, water was likely coming inside, and the storm showed no signs of letting up. It may seem like an odd question, but based on many other instances in the Bible, when Jesus asks a question to which He already knows the answer, His intent is to reach the heart: “Why are you so afraid?” Jesus was fully aware of the storm raging around them. He knows ALL things. However, after everything the disciples had witnessed up to that point, His question aimed to reveal a deeper understanding of who He truly was.
In one mighty moment, Jesus commanded the storm to stop and the sea to be still, leaving the disciples in awe of His power. Not only was Jesus sovereign over the human body, with the power to heal and raise the dead, but He also had authority over the forces of nature.
In every moment and circumstance, we face a choice: faith or fear. Many times, in my life, I have allowed fear to dominate, which consistently led to negative outcomes: worry, anxiety, restlessness, despair, anger, and even hopelessness. In contrast, choosing faith and living in the power of the Holy Spirit yields the opposite results: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that when He is with them, there is no reason to fear; He is in control of all things. I am so thankful that through the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of God always dwelling within us, in every circumstance. Even in the worst storms that shake us to our core, Jesus calls us to choose faith in fear-inducing situations.
What circumstances are you facing that are causing doubts, worry, concern, or despair? Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid and still had no faith. Let’s respond to this question in our hearts and choose faith over fear.
Lord, you know our weaknesses and frailties. We are easily shaken and filled with fear when we take our eyes off you. Help us remember that you are sovereign over all things, and just as you intended to take the disciples to the other side of the lake despite the storm, you will bring us through our storms to the other side as well. Today, we actively choose faith over fear and trust you in every situation that induces fear. You are trustworthy and faithful, and you will work all things according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
