LEARNING DAILY

Mark 4:38, 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?”

Jesus had just finished a day of teaching and, no doubt, healing many; Mark wrote in the first verse of chapter four that there was a great multitude of people. When they had gotten in the boat to cross the sea of Galilee there was no indication of a storm. But storms came up quickly on this body of water, I am told. Now a storm is raging around the disciples and Jesus. The disciples fear for their lives and Jesus is asleep. Finally, they wake Him up and ask, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

The disciples had witnessed Jesus perform many healings, cast out demons, and argue with religious leaders like no one else. They had not witnessed His power and authority over natural phenomenon. Now they did not know whether they would perish in this storm or not. Jesus is with them and He was asleep. They wake Him and I wonder what their expectation was. Did they want Him to join in their panic or was there another reason? “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Was this a question that challenges His love for them? Did they really think He would let them sink?

How quickly Believers are to question why God allowed something to happen to them. Believers do all they can to walk the narrow way; they trust and walk with Jesus, but the trials and storms come. If He had not been in the boat with them, perhaps the storm would have been easier to understand; but he was right in the boat with them! As Believers, do we not do as the disciples and wonder why things happen to us when we are doing the best we can to walk in obedience to Him?

Today, there have been many who have been affected by tornadoes, fire, heavy rain that has caused great flooding, and tropical storms on the coast. Extreme heat is forecasted across this country. There are indications that this is not going to stop. Believers and nonbelievers alike are affected by these natural conditions. I wonder how many wonder, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” At the same time, I have seen and heard people express great faith and confidence that God knows what is happening in their lives and He cares.

God has His purpose for all things; He desires to be glorified and He desires the good for His people. We look at life and what happens to us (and around us) in limited wisdom, at best. Notice the way Jesus rebuked His disciples. “Why are you fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” He did not belittle the danger they were in. He does not do this for Believers when they face their storms and trials. I do think the Lord Jesus wants Believers to place their trust in Him and His ability to meet our needs through all things. It is easy for me to sit here and write these things because I have not experienced flooding, fire, or terrible wind.

What I want to stress in this page of the blog is to be careful about reacting to the storms we face. Like the disciple had Jesus in the boat with them, all Believers have Him with them as they face difficulties that come while walking on the narrow way. Why don’t we consider that Jesus might be doing a greater work in us by walking with us in the times of trouble; perhaps, in these times our faith is being built, obedience is being strengthened or some other purpose is being accomplished in you that you would bring glory to Him. The disciples were amazed and marveled that the forces of nature obeyed Jesus. Their faith grew out of this storm. Believer, your faith grows when you face difficult situations and tribulation.

Are you facing a storm right now? If so, know the Lord Jesus Christ is right there with you. Cast your cares upon Him and see how He works out your situation for your good and His glory!