Faith and Stormy Weather

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 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?”

                                                Mark 4:35-38

Sometimes we think that if we follow Christ and do his will, we will be shielded from troubles and misfortune. Such is not the case. Following Christ, in fact, practically guarantees that we will encounter all kinds of troubles, trials, and temptations (see James 1:2 and 1 Peter 4:12).

It was clearly Christ’s will for the disciples to cross over to the far shore – he had asked them to do so. Moreover, he was right there in the boat with them. But none of this prevented a furious squall from arising. The waves were crashing over the boat to the point that it was sinking.

The disciples – and don’t forget many of them were experienced fishermen – were in a state panic. And when they saw Jesus in the front of the boat sleeping, they thought he didn’t care: Lord, we’re drowning!

But Jesus wasn’t unconcerned. He was sleeping because he was exhausted and because, storm or no storm, he had perfect faith in the loving protection of his Father.

How easy it is to have faith when the sun is shining. How hard in the midst of a raging storm! Storms and trials come our way to test and refine our faith. Believe without wavering that you are precious to God and that your life is in his hands. And the Lord of the waves will bring you safely ashore.