The Stormy Sea

Readiing from the Book of Mark 4: 34-40

^{Mark 4:34} But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. ³⁵ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. ³⁶ And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. ³⁷ And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. ³⁸ And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ³⁹ And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

It is always exciting when Jesus says to us, "Let's do a new thing" or "Let's go over to the other side." That would be the same as "Promotion is coming", or blessings are on the way", or "Come up higher." but what we don't realize, is the storms we may encounter on the way, as the disciples did. The storm that the disciples experienced was no little April shower or harmless summer squall, but a storm of hurricane proportions. The waves were not gently waving and tossing, they were beating into the boat with such fury that it quickly filled with water. That would be enough to frighten anyone.
There are times when we have great problems and God seems to ignore our prayers, and finally we begin to wonder if He cares about us at all. There is no need to wonder. God cares about the sparrow, and He surely cares about His own dear children. If there is not a clear reason why He fails to answer, then perhaps it is simple as a test of faith. It is in these stormy seasons we refer to as "the midnight hour" or "the dark night of the soul." At times like these, when it looks like the boat is sinking with us in it, we must use our faith. Just to simply believe in Him. Jesus calmed the storm, but He rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. We must learn to conquer our fear and press on to the other side. We must learn to have peace and joy, even in the midst of our stormy sea.