For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Jesus and His disciples start sailing across the Sea of Galilee. Sometime during the evening, a storm begins to brew. A great wind blows hard and waves beat at the ship. The deck begins to fill with water.
photo credit: spaceodissey
I can picture the disciples running around frantically, trying to decide what to do. This storm could mean their death!
Suddenly someone realizes that Jesus is nowhere in sight. Perhaps they feared that He had been thrown into the raging sea by the force of the waves. A disciple near the stern of the ship finally locates Jesus. There He is, in the midst of a storm, sound asleep!
The disciples wake Him, saying, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38)
Jesus rises and does something they had never seen before. He rebukes the wind and says to the sea, “Quiet! Be still.” In a moment, the wind ceases and a great calm descends. (Mark 4:39)
Jesus says to the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Amazed at what they just witnessed, the disciples ask, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41)
Have you had days when storms of trial rage around you? Seasons when waves of despair tossed you about? Did it seem like Jesus was nowhere in sight?
All along Jesus was with you in your trials, ready to help if you would only call on Him. How often do we live in a spirit of fear instead of faithfully calling on Him?
Faith and fear are complete opposites. They cannot reign in the same heart. While fear cowers, faith stands. While fear frets, faith prays. While fear looks within, faith looks to Jesus. While fear despairs, faith hopes.
Are you like the disciples who did not know what manner of man Jesus was? Do you know that He is Lord of all? Whatever trials assail you, Jesus can rebuke them and say, “Quiet! Be still.” Call on Him in faith and He will answer.
Fear not, Christian!
Thank you! This was JUST what I needed to read! The last couple of weeks have found my husband and myself being like the disciples. Although we have been praying, we have still been living in a spirit of fear. We have spent the last 2-3 months looking for our first home. Have recently put in an offer, are going through the loan process, and now hubby has lost his job!
This article has reminded me to Trust in Jesus and what will be is meant to be. He must have something wonderful and even better in mind for us and so we will wait on the Lord. Thanks again for the reminder!
Nancy Moore
Nancy, I’m glad this article helped. Fear can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be. God truly doesn’t want the best of us even when our circumstances look otherwise. Trust Him.
I meant “God truly *does* want the best for us …” obviously. :)
A great post! It is worth remembering that God keeps His promises. If we have faith that all will be well, and that our trials are for our own good, we can push out the fear.
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Amen! It is good to remember how God has worked in the past, both in biblical times and in our own lives. He is the same God today.
Yes He is the same, but it is we Christians that have and are continually changing.
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