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?” ~ Mark 4:38 (ESV)
READING: Mark 4:35-41
It amazes me that the disciples went through a storm while Jesus was on the boat and while they obeyed a direct order from Jesus to go from point A to point B. When the Lord speaks, he commands; it’s not an opinion or a suggestion.
Pastors, missionaries and church planters also go through storms occasionally. A “storm” might be a problem in the family, health, finances, church or your marriage. They can last a short or a long time. Whether you are in the church planting ministry or not, chances are you have already experienced one or will soon experience one.
But why does God allow his children to go through storms? Why do pastors have marital problems? Why do church planters’ kids get addicted to drugs? Why are finances not enough? I believe the Lord allows us to go through storms for at least two reasons.
First, He wants us to go to Christ to ask for help (Mark 4:38). The disciples remembered Jesus was on the boat when things started to get rough. If you are going through a storm in your life right now, please remember that the boat where Jesus abides will not sink if we ask him for help.
Matthew 7:7, 8 reminds us: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Heavenly Father, I know that nothing is impossible for you. You are the Captain of my life’s boat and you’ll never leave or forsake me. Amen.
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