Around 2,000 years ago, in the midst of a horrible storm, and mass panic, Jesus Christ said simply, “Peace, Be Still!” and everything ceased. The waves stood still, the wind stopped howling, and all was at rest. Mark 4:39 is an incredible example of just how much power Christ had during His time on earth. We also get a lesson of, and heavily criticize, the severe lack of faith the disciples of Jesus had at that moment in time. However, if you really think about it, a lot of times we do the exact same. Every single one of us would say that we have love for Christ, and put our faith in Him, but then when the storms of life come, and we are tested, we panic and look for anything to help us — except Jesus Christ. We look for vain solutions instead of looking to Jesus who can say, “Peace, be still!” And make all things calm.
We need to remember that Christ wants to take care of us, He wants to give us safety in our time of need. More than just remembering, I need to train myself so that when hardship comes my way, my immediate response is to go to Him for security. First Peter 5:6-7 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” God patiently and longingly waits for you to call to Him for help. He wants the opportunity to comfort you. Hebrews 2:17-18 states one of the many reasons that Jesus came to this earth: “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Jesus understands the struggles you face, and because of this, He wants you to go to Him so that He can give you peace.
On the other hand, if I am going to look to Jesus for help, then I need faith that He will do what He says. James 1 specifically addresses that when there is something you need, go to God so He can grant it to you. However, James also warns, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (1:6-8). If I ask something of God, but I don’t trust that He will respond, then that defeats the purpose of asking Him in the first place. If I am going to overcome my struggles, I have to accept that I can’t do it alone, and I will have to put my trust in someone or something to help me get through it.
In Mark 4:40, after Jesus calms the storm, He turns to the disciples and asks two questions, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” With those two questions, He sums up all that we have discussed. Jesus asks why they are so fearful because He has trying to teach them that He will take care of them. He tries to make them understand that even though they feel as though they may lose their lives, He will keep them safe. He also asks how it is that they have no faith because they should have known by then, and had all surety, that He could create peace in the middle of a storm. Life is not meant to be easy, but it can be much easier if I will lean on Christ who has already done so much for me. And life can be much easier if I will have faith that He can and will give me peace if I will go to Him.
Oren Caskey
