Yet in this terrifying storm, the disciples desperate to find Jesus, find Him in the stern fast asleep. Unphased in their moment of panic that Jesus could sleep so soundly in a storm like this, the disciples woke Jesus blurting, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Without a word to the disciples, Jesus calmly got up "rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." And like that the storm was over. Simply by His Word, Jesus calmed the wind and waves, moving the disciples to wonder, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41)
Photo
courtesy of Stock.xchng
Over at Precept
Austin,(one of my favorite online stops when I'm studying the Word), I
came upon some wonderful insights from Warren Wiersby (another fave!) regarding this
familiar passage. He notes, and then gives three reasons the disciples should
not have feared:
1) They had His promise that they were going to the other side (Mark 4:35). His commandments are always His enablements and nothing can hinder the working out of His plans. He did not promise an easy trip, but He did promise a guaranteed arrival at their destination.
2) The Lord Himself was with them, so what was there to fear? They had already seen His power demonstrated in His miracles, so they should have had complete confidence that He could handle the situation. For some reason, the disciples did not yet understand that He was indeed the Master of every situation.
3) They could see that Jesus was perfectly at peace, even in the midst of the storm. This fact alone should have encouraged them. Jesus was in God’s will and knew that the Father would care for Him, so He took a nap. Jonah slept during a storm because he had a false sense of security, even though he was running from God. Jesus slept in the storm because He was truly secure in God’s will. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for You, Lord, only make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8)"
"The storm described here must have been especially fierce if it frightened experienced fishermen like the disciples. There were at least three good reasons why none of the men in the ship should have been disturbed, even though the situation appeared to be threatening.
Three Reasons The Disciples Should
Have Had Faith & Not Fear
by Warren Wiersby
1) They had His promise that they were going to the other side (Mark 4:35). His commandments are always His enablements and nothing can hinder the working out of His plans. He did not promise an easy trip, but He did promise a guaranteed arrival at their destination.
2) The Lord Himself was with them, so what was there to fear? They had already seen His power demonstrated in His miracles, so they should have had complete confidence that He could handle the situation. For some reason, the disciples did not yet understand that He was indeed the Master of every situation.
3) They could see that Jesus was perfectly at peace, even in the midst of the storm. This fact alone should have encouraged them. Jesus was in God’s will and knew that the Father would care for Him, so He took a nap. Jonah slept during a storm because he had a false sense of security, even though he was running from God. Jesus slept in the storm because He was truly secure in God’s will. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for You, Lord, only make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8)"
Isaiah 41:10 Photo courtesy of Amen Designs
I encourage you to take a minute and listen to the verse above, Isaiah 41:10 set to music by Seeds Family Worship. It's one of my favorites! One of those songs that I often catch myself singing as I go about my day. No matter how my day is going, this song always pumps me up. (As an added bonus, these songs by Seeds are a great way to memorize Scripture!) Enjoy!
3 Things To Remember Before Panicking
The next time you find yourself in
anxious circumstances, remember these three things before panicking:
1. Remember what God has promised you. The best way I've found to remember what God has promised me, is by memorizing God's promises, especially those that minister most to me.
2. Remember Jesus is with you, Who is "a very present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) Each night, when I tuck my little girl in for bed, I remind her her "Remember Jesus is with you and He loves you very much." I can see a peace wash over her as I assure her of God's ever presence and love for her. There is something very comforting about remembering that we are not alone. We are not left to ourselves to handle our trials.But Jesus is with us and He loves us very much.
3. Remember as the storm rages, Jesus is at complete peace. Though turbulent circumstances may tempt us to panic, our Good Shepherd is at total rest. How? Because He is in complete control and knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us, and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Question for you: What Bible promises do you find most comforting in turbulent circumstances?
1. Remember what God has promised you. The best way I've found to remember what God has promised me, is by memorizing God's promises, especially those that minister most to me.
2. Remember Jesus is with you, Who is "a very present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) Each night, when I tuck my little girl in for bed, I remind her her "Remember Jesus is with you and He loves you very much." I can see a peace wash over her as I assure her of God's ever presence and love for her. There is something very comforting about remembering that we are not alone. We are not left to ourselves to handle our trials.But Jesus is with us and He loves us very much.
3. Remember as the storm rages, Jesus is at complete peace. Though turbulent circumstances may tempt us to panic, our Good Shepherd is at total rest. How? Because He is in complete control and knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us, and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Question for you: What Bible promises do you find most comforting in turbulent circumstances?
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