In the Boat - Part 3

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). Oh, to simply trust the Lord! What a marvelous way to go through life. I know that intellectually. I know that experientially! I know that in my heart! Oh, but to live that truth everyday, there is the challenge! The disciples were stunned…again! They couldn’t believe their eyes. One minute they were in a state of panic, thinking they were about to die. They had called upon Jesus, who was asleep in the back of the boat, perhaps to bail water, perhaps to hold their hands as they died, and Jesus woke up, said a couple of words, and calmed the storm. Wow! What a miracle! What a God! Was this the last time they would ever doubt Jesus again? I don’t think so! As I read the account of the disciples, they continued to need growth in their spiritual life. There would be new trials. There would be new storms. They would have more to learn about this Savior named Jesus. Where are you? Are you through the storm yet, or are you in the middle? Where are you going to be on the other side? Stronger? Most likely. More faithful? Probably. But, does that mean you will never doubt again? Probably not. If you are like most Christians I know, the storms will make you a better Christian, but they will also only prepare you for the next storm in your life. You’ll need to learn some things about Jesus then, too. And, you’ll need to rely on Him to get you through that one too! Use the current, or the past storm, to remind you of the God who is able to get you through the next one! Praise God with John Sammis’ hymn today as a reminder of who He is! When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, can abide while we trust and obey. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay; not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blessed if we trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, are for them who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way; what He says we will do, where He sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.