Faith that God Will See You Through the Storm #2466

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:37–40, NKJV)

After a full day of teaching many parables to “a great multitude,” Jesus and His apostles crossed the Sea of Galilee at night (Mark 4:1-2, 35-36). While Jesus slept, a sudden and violent storm arose, endangering them as their boat took on water. In fear, the apostles woke up Jesus asking, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Fear can grip us when facing unexpected dangers, traumas, and uncertain outcomes. Jesus calmed the storm, then challenged His apostles to see their fearful doubts as a lack of faith (v. 40). The cares of this world (physical ailments, financial pressures, etc.), if allowed, can press us to the edge of fear and faithlessness. Our Adversary tempts us to think God does not care “that we are perishing.” But Christ’s power over nature secures our faith in Him to face life’s storms (Mark 4:41). God Himself has said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Heb. 13:5-6)?’” Let us strengthen our faith in the Lord in uncertain times. None of these things separate the faithful from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:31-39).

Take Heart and Encourage Others #2315

22 “And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island (Acts 27:22–26, NKJV).”

A terrible storm had wreaked havoc on the grain ship and its 276 souls for almost two weeks. They were lost at sea. All seemed hopeless, but God’s revelation to Paul and his faith in the Lord formed the basis of his confidence amid chaos. Paul, the prisoner, became Paul the encourager. Twice he urged those on board to take heart, to “be of good cheer, of good courage” (Thayer, 258). We can take several points from this event to help us be encouraged and also encourage others. (1) Paul trusted God’s word (v. 25). We must trust God’s revelation as we face life’s storms. God’s word prevails. (2) Paul was confident in the purposes of God (v. 24). The Lord’s angel told him he “must be brought before Caesar.” When we rely on God’s purposes, we can take courage to face every trial (1 Pet. 1:5-7). (3) Paul was also a realist (v. 22, 26). He was honest about the trouble ahead. Encouragement does not sugar-coat the situation. It is compassionate yet straightforward with its analysis and recommendations. Whatever storm you face, take heart in the Lord, His purposes, and His truth. He will not fail or forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Then, encourage others.

“Where is your faith?” #1850

But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:25, NKJV)

Jesus dramatically used His power over the elements to calm a windstorm on the Sea of Galilee, and by doing so, to strengthen the faith of His disciples (Lk. 8:22-24). Jesus had fallen asleep in the boat, and the fearful disciples thought Jesus was unconcerned as the boat filled with water (Mk. 4:38). Fear seized their hearts and exposed the smallness of their faith (Matt. 8:26). The Lord’s question to them is as penetrating as it is perceptive. Jesus had much work to do. Did they think a windstorm would prevent Him from accomplishing it? Faith in Jesus assures us that even in the face of trouble, His will shall prevail. So, “where is your faith?” Doubt weakens and disables faith when it resides in the realm of fear. Faith’s joy in the midst of trial and trouble is possible because we know the Lord will accomplish His will (Jas. 1:2-4). Faith in Christ trusts His power to fulfill His will. The winds and water obeyed Jesus when He commanded them. Live by faith (not by sight) by obeying Jesus when He commands you (2 Cor. 5:7; 4:16-18). Bold faith obeys Jesus through the storm, because He is Lord of heaven and earth.

When the Wind Blows #1594

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:37–40, NKJV)

We have had a lot of wind storms where I live this winter, and another warning was just issued. When the storms of life billow up around us we may be like the disciples of Jesus. Frightened, we may question whether God knows and whether He cares. Jesus calming the storm assures us He does. In fact, if we are willing to learn the lesson, Jesus teaches us fear results from a lack of faith in Him. The Lord said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6) We know there will be storms in life, but we trust the Lord will see us safely through them all. Instead of being hindered by fear, boldly continue to rely on the Lord. His will prevails, as do all those who commit themselves to doing His will (Matthew 6:10; 7:21). “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Why Are You Fearful? #713

23  Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25  Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26  But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:23–26, NKJV)

Some expect life to be smooth sailing once they start following Jesus. But, when we follow Jesus into the boat of life we can expect choppy seas and storms that challenge our faith. The disciples’ “little faith” was on display as they fearfully forgot that the Lord who could save them was also in the boat with them. They forgot to trust the presence and power of the Lord. As a disciple of Jesus, always remember not to fear the circumstances you face or those who bring tumult and turmoil into your life. The Lord who calmed the sea is the same Lord who will never fail you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5-6). So, set your sails and follow Jesus; Trust and obey His word. Do not be fearful; be ever faithful.

“Be of good cheer, it is I” #356

24  But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25  Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:24–27)

As the apostles’ boat was tossed about in the Sea of Galilee storm, so our lives are often tossed about by the trials and uncertainties of life. Jesus is never far away. He is ever-present to comfort and to save. Like the apostles, we may be frightened at times, Jesus speaks words of comforting assurance to all who put their faith in Him. Take courage (“be of good cheer”), says Jesus. “It is I (lit., “I am”), do not be afraid”. He is the ever-existing One, the great I AM, who never falters and who never fails those who put their trust Him. Whatever life brings your way, courageous trust the Lord and follow His words. When you do, the peaceful calm of salvation will surely be yours (Matt. 14:28-33).