Through the Storm

Week 14, Friday

Tammy Ethridge

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. Mark 4:39 (nkjv)

Is there a storm brewing in your life? As Jesus’ disciples entered the boat at His command, they found themselves in the middle of a great windstorm with water rushing in, as the waves beat against their vessel. When they ran to Jesus, they accused Him of not caring if they perished. They had left all to follow Christ and now they faced a “crisis of faith.” Did Jesus even care about what was happening to them? There are times in our lives when we contemplate the same question. If He cares, why is He not rushing around to do something about it? We, like the disciples, have seen Him work in miraculous ways before, but when the storm is crashing, we lose sight of the One who is going through the storm with us.

Before Jesus went to sleep, He had told His disciples that they were going over to the other side. Would they believe His promise or look at their present circumstances? Did He really say they would make it over? Did He really mean it? His promises can always be trusted, despite how severely the storm is raging around us.

The storms in our lives can be used to point others to Christ and bring glory to God. If the trip had been smooth sailing for the disciples, they would not have seen the awesome power of God over their storm. After calming the storm, Jesus looked at them and asked, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40, nkjv). They then replied, “Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (verse 41, nkjv). Our storms allow us and others to see the all-powerful, all-sufficient workings of God on behalf of His children.

Are your circumstances overwhelming you? Do you feel as if you are being thrown in every direction? Does it appear that you’re about to go down in defeat? Ask Jesus to speak “peace” over your crisis. He is there with you, waiting for you to call on Him, and promising to take you over to the other side.

Dear Lord Jesus, please speak peace over my present circumstance. Use this situation to reveal Yourself to me and to a watching world. In Jesus’ name, amen.