In the Boat - Part 2

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV). “Teacher, don't you even care that we are going to drown?" let me take some liberties with the text and substitute some other dilemmas. We might say today something like: Jesus, don’t you care that my heart is broken? Jesus, don’t you care that my spouse is abusing me? Jesus, don’t you care that my child is growing away from the Lord? Jesus, don’t you care that my marriage is falling apart? Jesus, don’t you care that I can’t pay these bills? Jesus, don’t you care that my grandmother is suffering in physical pain? I’m sure you can get the picture from here! Most of us have asked the question “Jesus, don’t you care?” It is normal in the midst of difficulty to wonder where God is. It is normal in the midst of fear and anxiety to question the wisdom in His plan. When the storms of life come our way, even though Jesus is “asleep in the stern of the boat”, we can sometimes forget that He is working all things for good. The Bible is full of great promises, many of them that I have personally experienced, but when the struggles come, those promises often seem empty at best. Picture the situation for the disciples. They were standing in water! The boat was about to sink! The waves were getting stronger! The storm was raging! Their lives were threatened! Their fear was rampant! Their trust was diminishing! Ever been there? Maybe you are there right now. Does Jesus care? May I tell you, based on the Word of God and personal experience, that Jesus does indeed care! He cares, and He has a plan! Hold tight to Him! Call upon Him! Tell Him your fears! Trust only in Him! Then watch Him as He calms the storm! He has given us a promise in his purpose for us. He is not aimlessly watching without care and concern. He has given us a promise in his person. He is fully capable of handling everything the world and the devil may throw at us. He has given us a promise in a place that is guaranteed to us by his death and resurrection. Regardless of the trials of this world, we have eternal life waiting for us. Keep you eyes on Him!