RIGHT THERE WITH YOU

READ: Mark 4:35-41

ANSWER THIS: What’s the toughest thing you’re going through right now?

THE BREAKDOWN

The crowds continue to grow larger, as news about Jesus spreads.

Once again, he finds himself on the lakeshore with countless people pressing in (see Mark 4:1). So, he climbs into a boat to put some space between himself and the crowd, and begins teaching using parables (stories that teach a moral lesson). Rather than lecturing, Jesus preferred to use parables, in order to help people better understand who God is, and how much He loves them.

Later, following a full day of teaching, Jesus tells his disciples—the twelve men who are now following him—that he wants to cross over to the other side of the lake. So, they all climb into a boat and start sailing across the Sea of Galilee.

Not long after, a fierce storm hits. Waves begin washing over the sides of the boat, and it starts to fill up with water. The disciples, in a state of panic, turn to Jesus, and find him sleeping! Which really isn’t that unusual, since one, he’s tired after a long day. And, two, he’s not that concerned.

The disciples start to come unglued, and cry out to Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re all going to drown!?” Jesus wakes up perturbed (yes, even Jesus gets annoyed at times), and yells at the storm, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly, everything is calm, again.

Curious about their lack of faith, Jesus asks the disciples, “Why are you afraid?”

Ironically, the disciples are more frightened now than ever, as they realize they’re in the presence of no ordinary human being.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

The storms we face in life can take many forms. Some are natural, such as the one the disciples and Jesus experienced. But, others can be relational, emotional, mental, or even physical.

When a storm of any kind is bearing down on you, it can be frightening, and feel overwhelming. During those times, we need to remember three things from today’s account of Jesus and the storm:

• Jesus didn’t prevent the storm.
• Jesus was present in the storm.
• Jesus had power over the storm.

God doesn’t always step in and prevent difficulties in our lives. But, He is with us during those times. And, He has the power to get us through them.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

Whatever difficulty you’re going through right now, you can find peace knowing that Jesus is in control. There’s no assurance when or if your circumstances will change, but there is this guarantee: Jesus will be right there with you.

PRAYER

“Lord, I’m really struggling. Life is really difficult right now. I just want things to get better. Give me the peace that comes from knowing you’re right here with me and teach me how to lean on you for the strength to get through.”