In the Middle of the Storm

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). This morning’s reading is comical. I can just imagine the smile on Jesus’ face when he asked the disciples why they were so afraid? Jesus was in the boat. Of course He was going to calm the storm. What else could he do? He had so much more ministry ahead of Him. He had to endure the cross for the payment of our sin debt. That is why He came. It wasn't His time to die, so He had to calm the storm. That makes perfect sense to us now, on the other side of the storm, but it didn't make sense to the disciples in the middle of the storm. They thought they were being obedient to Christ. They were just doing what He told them to do. Now, along comes this furious squall about to wreck the boat and their lives and all they can think about is getting Jesus to help bail water! Isn't that what happens in our life when storms come our way? What was Christ doing when He made the disciples get into the boat, and what was God doing when He sent the storm on the water? He was teaching them to trust in Him! If you find yourself in the midst of a major storm, it may be helpful to remember two things. First, just being in the storm doesn't mean you aren't in the center of God's will for your life. The disciples were. They were faithfully serving Him, going where He told them to go, and yet the storm came upon them quickly. Second, God reacts more times than not with surprises in life. Throughout scripture, God seemed to bring "surprises" on His people. Remember right after the Israelites left captivity in Egypt, God changed Pharaoh's heart and he sent a major army after the Israelites. When David was called to be king, God allowed Saul to chase him, and nearly kill him. David spent a great deal of time in fear. When Paul fell on his face before the Lord, giving his life completely to Him, he found himself being persecuted wherever he went. Each of these men was "surprised" by God, and yet they were right where God wanted them to be. God does bring surprises to His people. It is one of His ways of teaching us. His ways are not our ways and yet He always has our best interest at heart, even in the "surprises". Trust him with everything in your life!