That day when evening came, [Jesus] 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?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4: 35-39)
Jesus removed the danger. He stopped the boat-sinking waves, but you can sense he hoped he didn’t need to. You can’t overlook what Jesus was doing when the disciples came to him: sleeping. How? He knew Who was in control and trusted Him fully. If only the disciples could have dozed! How extraordinary it must be to have no fear when life’s storms surround us. Can you even imagine not worrying when trying to stay afloat in rough waters? God does desire for even the waves of fear in our hearts to be calmed, whatever happens around us. Physical beings that we are, though, and if we’re honest, we know we aren’t there yet. Still, how good is God for wanting such freedom for each of us. As we mature in Christ, we become more and more like Him and do progressively experience God’s perfect will for us. In the meantime, when we don’t always rest easy on boats being tossed about, it’s nice to know God hears our cries and faithfully responds.
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