Faith in the Storm
Devotional
“Quiet! Be still!” These are the commands Jesus spoke over the raging waters of a stormy sea. Immediately, the wind and waves obeyed him. In an instant, what was once a furious squall became a scene of complete calm. In Mark 4, Jesus demonstrates to his disciples–and us–that he is more powerful than any storm that could ever come their way. Jesus is always with us. His timing is perfect; his presence is constant. But in the midst of a storm, we may start to question if Jesus is really there. In our uncertainty, we are called to have faith that trusts Jesus’ presence in our lives, even if it feels like he’s absent. Faith that trusts he is good even when life is bad.
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
MARK 4:35-41
Questions:
- What stands out to you about Jesus in this story?
- In what ways, if any, can you relate to the disciples in this passage?
- When is it most difficult for you to trust that Jesus is present in your life?
- “Please don’t mistake his silence for his absence.” What are you thoughts or reactions to this quote?
- How are you tempted with fear in this season of your life?
Practice The Way of Jesus:
In Hebrews 11, we learn about the value of having faith. Faith is essential to our relationship with God and without it, it’s impossible to please him. This week, identify the areas where you have demonstrated a lack of faith and consider what it will look like for you to have a growing faith in this season of your life.