The disciples were with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee when a storm quickly arose and threatened to capsize their small boat (Mk 44:35-40). After a long day of ministry, Jesus was exhausted and sleeping peacefully while the boat was tossed about in the surge. The disciples were fearful and after doing all they could to save the boat and passengers, they woke Jesus, asking, “Don’t you care if we drown?” A simple word from Jesus calms the wind and waves, and then Jesus says, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Ouch! Still no faith, huh? It’s easy to look at this story and just shake our heads at those weak and faithless disciples. However, they were still figuring out who Jesus really was, and although we absolutely KNOW who he is, we falter and fail and struggle to hold onto our faith in the storm. Remember Jesus is right there in the boat with you! Just because things are rough doesn’t mean he isn’t there or that he doesn’t care. Just because you don’t “feel” him at the moment doesn’t mean he has jumped ship. “Quiet! Be still!” Let him speak truth and peace to you.

Scriptures
Mk 4:35-40; Ps 46:1-3; Isa 43:2; 1 Pe 5:7

Verse
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mk 4:40)
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. (Isa 43:2)

Thought
Life has many crossroads. At these junctures, we may find ourselves confused, fearful, frustrated and broken. Jesus meets us where we are. Our response to these encounters can change our lives forever, and even our eternity. Oftentimes a storm in some area of our life brings us to the cross roads. It may be a relational storm, a physical storm, a vocational storm or a spiritual storm. We have to remember that Jesus is with us in the midst of whatever storm is brewing and he will get us through. Our focus must be on his presence, rather than on the storm. It is in Him that we find peace and strength even while the winds roar and waves surge around us.

Questions
Are you in a storm right now? If so, how is your faith? What is the greatest storm you have encountered? What did you learn? How did you grow? What question was Jesus asking you during that time?

Response
Take time each day to ask God for his presence and to thank him for his presence in your life. Write about a storm you have gone through and how your faith was challenged and strengthened during that time. Seeing your story in writing and being reminded of God’s faithfulness to you will help you the next time you find yourself in a storm.

Prayer
Dear God, please be the captain of my boat. Help me to rely on your power and not on the boat’s construction! Give me eyes that see beyond the surge and faith that grows with each passing storm and wave. Thank you for your presence, even when I don’t understand. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.