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Til The Storm Passes By
Many have marveled at the beauty and peace of the Sea of Galilee. This sea is also known for the powerful sudden storms that come sweeping down from the hills along the eastern shore. Those who live by fishing its waters must be cautious about the unpredictable weather.
One day, as the Lord and His disciples headed east on Galilee's waters, a storm nearly overwhelmed their boat. Of course, we know the Lord stilled the wind and waves before them, but let's look at some lessons from the disciples' fear, as expressed by their question, "Lord, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38).
Our darkest hour comes when we begin to think the Lord does not care. The strangest part of this story is that Jesus was not in the boat with a bunch of inexperience seamen. These fishermen had surely faced this type of storm before. They were suddenly afraid and apparently left their efforts to save themselves to ask the Lord if He cared! What scared them? They thought the Lord did not care because He slept while they suffered. God is never asleep. Jesus does not "nap" when disciples are in an hour of need. Trust in Him. Never doubt the concern of the Lord.
Our fear shows a lack of faith. The Lord asked them a piercing question: "Where is your faith?" If the gospel witnesses are true, if Jesus is Lord, and if He was willing to die for all mankind, it is faithlessness to doubt His care. He will deliver you. Remember the saying: "Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He stills the child." "Believe in Me" is what Jesus would say.
The right answer is, "Who then is this..." What a profound impact this incident must have had on the disciples who witnessed it. They simply asked, "Who then is this" that the elements obey Him. In fact, the text says they were fearful. They started out fearful of nature, and ended up in awe of the Lord of nature! Let us bow before Him and cast aside our doubts and fears (John 14:27).
