That day, when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. (Mark 4: 45-37)
Every time I step onto the first tee, I have positive expectations, especially when the weather is favorable, and my body is not suffering from too many aches and pains. And I played well the last time I teed it up. But then life happens….
The story of Jesus calming the storm appears in Matthew 8, Luke 8, and Mark 4. These men didn’t just happen to be in the boat – Jesus called them all to get into the boat with him to go to the other side of the lake. It was his idea. And then, a violent storm arose, which is not unusual on the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4: 38)
Storms happen in everyone’s life. In this fallen world, it “rains on the just and the unjust.” There is no getting around the storms of life regardless of your bank account, the quality of your marriage, or your health. You will have tribulation in this world.
But remember that Jesus came to change you, not your circumstances.
Since everyone will suffer in the storms of this life, as Jesus’ followers, our approach to them should be obviously different from that of those who are not following the Lord. Thus, the world will see a difference.
How does a believer with cancer handle his illness differ from the way a non-believer with cancer does? How does a believer with a financial crisis handle things differently than a non-believer with a financial crisis? A loved one’s death? A betrayal?
It is in the midst of the crisis that, as believers, we change. In recognizing our utter lack of control, we turn to the One who is sovereign over all circumstances. Knowing and understanding God’s sovereignty will change how you live your life. And here is where the peace that passes all understanding will come.
Leaning into the Lord during these difficult times develops a ‘track record’ in our lives. We can look back on those times and see God’s fingerprints as he led, comforted, and walked us through the trials.
Jesus came to change you, not your circumstances. Will you give him permission to do so and cooperate with him as he accomplishes the task?
Prayer: Father God, thank you for loving me too much to leave me like I am. Thank you that you will be faithful to complete the work you have started. Thank you that I can trust in your sovereignty and mighty power.