Day Four: When Fear Overwhelms You (Mark 4:35-41)

Focus Scripture: But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” – Mark 4:37-41

{Even Now: A 7 Day Devotional Through the Life Changing Miracles of Jesus}

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four: When Fear Overwhelms You (Mark 4:35-41)

Have you ever faced a situation where fear took the center stage? When you looked ahead, the waves of uncertainty washed over you, leaving you with wobbled knees and a sinking faith. This must have been exactly how the disciples of Jesus felt at that moment in the middle of a storm.

There was a fierce storm threatening to sink their boat. Everyone of them was in a state of panic. Some afraid and confused, others were agitated, terrified and shouting. And Jesus? He was somewhere beneath the boat, head on a pillow, sleeping! His disciples were confused when they found him. How does one remain calm and unafraid in the middle of a storm?

Fear Versus Faith

Fear made the disciples panic and run around in a state of confusion. Fear causes you to forget who is in the boat of that crisis or challenge with you. Fear will fill your heart with doubt and weaken your faith. Fear magnifies the storm and infiltrates your mind with negative images. Remember that your response matters in times of chaos or when facing a storm in your life. The bible tells us that Jesus remained calm and unshaken in the middle of a storm.

These men had seen Jesus perform miracles. They had seen God’s power flow through him. But in that terrifying moment, fear overshadowed their faith. Aren’t we like the disciples sometimes? We wonder if God really cares about what is happening in our lives. We let fear creep into our hearts and even forget that God has promised to never leave or forsake us. The disciples woke Jesus up and said – “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown”. More like, don’t you care that we are about to die. But what did Jesus do?

Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, “Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be still!” The wind died down, and there was a great calm. – Mark 4:39

The bible says that he got up, rebuked the winds and said to the waves – “Peace, be still”. He responded with three simple words, and with those simple but faith-filled words, Jesus changed everything. The wind died down, the waves settled and calm was restored. The storm bowed in obedience to the voice of God. Jesus spoke from a place of authority and depth of conviction about his sonship. Sickness, pain, crisis and challenges will respond to the word of God.

What words are you speaking as you confront the raging storms of life? You can speak to that challenge or situation today. Jesus spoke to the challenge (storm) not about the challenge (storm). As sons and daughters of God, the words we speak can bring calm and peace to turbulent situations and walk us through stormy seasons in our lives. Challenges will always respond to your faith-filled prayers and declarations. And the presence of Jesus with you in the storm will bring peace to the chaos.

Why are you afraid? Jesus asked his disciples this profound question. Think about that question again – why are you afraid? Perhaps you are grappling with deep uncertainty about the future. Or are you walking through a painful loss or weighed down by a recent diagnosis? Maybe you feel like the storm is winning and God has abandoned you? I want you to know that even now, Jesus is in your boat. No matter how fierce the winds may be in your life right now, Jesus has the final say. Will you trust him even in the storm?

• Fear makes you forget who is in the boat with you.
• Fear magnifies the storm, but faith magnifies the presence and power of God.
• Fear says, “We are about to drown or we are drowning”. Faith says, “I am not alone. Jesus is with me.”

Prayer: Lord, I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you when the storms of life hit. May my faith in God not waver. I confess that I feel afraid and overwhelmed right now. Lord, help me to trust in you and keep my eyes on you. I surrender my fears and anxiety to you and ask that you speak peace over my heart and mind. Heavenly father, still every storm in my life and help me to rest in the knowledge of your presence with me in every situation and season of my life. Amen!

Faith Challenge: Speak to Your Storm

Today, identify one fear that has been overwhelming you. Instead of letting it control you, speak the word of God over it. Say out loud: “Even now, this storm is not greater than my savior. Jesus is in my boat and speaks peace over my life!

Image by kp yamu Jayanath from Pixabay