I happen to enjoy thunderstorms. The power that is demonstrated in the wind, the flashes of lighting, and the rain remind me of the majesty of God. I realize that not everyone shares my feelings or is so enthralled with thunderstorms. There's the reminder that amidst the power is the potential for damage from lighting strikes which can spark fires or even shut down electricity. Additionally, there's the threat to human life, if someone is caught out in the open and is struck by lightning. Typically after a thunderstorm passes, there is a calm and quietness as the sun emerges along with blue sky. If the storm takes place at night, after its passing, the stars emerge in all their brilliance. In the gospel of Mark, we read about the disciples who were caught in a storm and how Jesus intervened.
THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD
It was evening and Jesus with His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee after Jesus had finished a long day of ministering to the people. We are told that Jesus fell asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. A furious storm came up and the disciples panicked, fearing they might drown as the boat became nearly swamped. In their distress they cry out to Jesus to save them. Mark tells us, "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." (Mark 4:39 NIV) Jesus challenges them regarding their lack of faith. Mark tells us the disciples were terrified and questioned, "Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!" (Mark 4:41 NIV) I find it interesting that Jesus chooses to speak to the wind and the waves. He could have just raised His hand commanding all to be calm without saying a word. Why speak? The Bible doesn't answer the question, however the spoken word has power and influence as evidenced by the disciple's response. We have all experienced having someone say something to us whether it be kind or unkind and the feelings that those words stir up within us. Just like the disciple's reaction, we also react to what is spoken to us. Jesus' words bring me to a point of reaction and reflection. They remind me of the storm, "Quiet!" (stop the noise and distraction!) before the calm, "Be still!" (let My peace and calm settle your soul.)
HOW WILL WE REACT TO THE STORMS OF LIFE?
Life presents us with many storms. Some of these storms can be significant enough to leave us in a state of panic and despair just like the disciples. However, when we call upon the Lord, is our faith able to lead us to a place of resting in the peace of knowing God is in control? In the thunderstorms of life, I recognize the potential threat to my emotional well-being but I am also reminded of the power of the One who is sovereign over all of nature. Jesus is the One who brings the calm after the storms. What He asks of us is to have the faith to trust Him. Jesus' question to His disciples is the same question His followers are challenged with today, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40 NIV.) The Bible does not place a percentage on how much faith His followers need to have as a measure of our commitment to God. Jesus Himself told His disciples in Luke 17 after they asked the Lord to increase their faith, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (Luke 17:5-6 NIV) Jesus was trying to emphasize that faith in Him no matter how great or small is the foundation upon which we remain rooted and strengthened to persevere as we navigate the storms of life. We often hear and are more familiar with the expression "the calm before the storm." While this statement is true whether we are talking about an actual weather related event or situations and circumstances in our lives, we need to ask the question, what happens after the storm? Will we abandon all hope? or rest in the peace of God, who in Jesus Christ brings restoration, renewal, and ultimately resurrection to all who place their trust in Him. Jesus is our hope and rescue in the storms of life. We can rest in the assurance of knowing that Jesus sees the concerns of our hearts, He cares, and will meet us where we are at, leading us to "calmer waters."
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree
