Since childhood, we have been familiarized with the account of Jesus stilling the storm on the sea in Mark 4:35-41. This was the Lord’s second year of His personal ministry. Previously, His kinsfolk had tried to lay hold of Him, fearing He was mad (3:19-21, 31-35). Prior to the crossing of the sea, He had spoken seven parables, including the parable of the sower (4:1-34). After these parables, He desired to travel to the other shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was during this trip that the Lord had the opportunity to teach His disciples a marvelous lesson about faith. From this account, a Christian can find important, practical applications as we travel “unto the other side” of this life.
First, wherever I go, may I ever go with Him. Jesus instructed the disciples to go by way of boat across the sea, and went with them. If I will ever receive any spiritual benefit from the Lord, He must be in the “boat” called my life. This means that I must obey Him to earn these benefits (Hebrews 5:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-4). I must also forever follow His leadership and example, going wherever I go because He is guiding me there (Psalm 32:8; Matthew 28:18; 1 Peter 2:21).
Second, whatever the problem, may I ever remember that He is in the boat. Even though Jesus was asleep, He was still in the boat and still in control. Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:17 assure the Christian that not only did the Lord create the earth, but He sustains it by His power. If the Lord can accomplish such a momentous task, He can surely watch over me when I have trials. When our Lord seems silent as I face trials, may I always remember that He is with me and will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5).
Third, whatever the threat, may I ever trust in Him. The disciples panicked, even questioning whether the Lord cared for their safety. May I simply trust Him, even when things seem to be at their worst. Jesus promised in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego certainly learned the wonderful lesson that God cares for and watches for His own that day in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:21-26). Whatever state the Christian may find himself in, he has the power through Christ to endure all things (Philippians 4:13). May I listen for words in my life saying, “Peace, be still!”
May I ever have the full confidence needed to press forth in life with the Lord at my side. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Kyle Campbell