35On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” - Mark 4:35-41
Have you ever felt life was crashing down on you like a sudden squall? A storm that just swept through in the form of a sudden death or a bad report from the doctor? It’s in those moments we need to see glimpses of God in the storm.
While reading the account of Jesus quieting the storm in Mark Chapter 4, I began to reflect on how the disciples reacted.
They literally thought they were going to die.
And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” - Mark 4:38
Understandably the disciples were terrified. Any of us would be too. However, what I find interesting is that some of the disciples like Peter and John were familiar with the seas since they were fishermen.
And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him. - Mark 1:16-20Look for God to show up
The problem, was the disciples, like ourselves, focused on the storm around them, instead of the One with them.
Although they knew Jesus as Lord, and had seen with their own eyes, miracles He did, they still feared. They didn’t look for God to show up. Sometimes, we don’t either because we’re so encumbered with our circumstance.
The disciples were fearful to the point, of asking Jesus if He cared that they were perishing.
Jesus sound asleep in the boat as the waters swelled and gushed, was a glimpse of God in the storm.
Seeing that Jesus was not worried, should have been a sign to the disciples they would be ok.
It’s very easy to look at our stormy circumstances and feel like we’re drowning. The thing to remember is that God is faithful to not let you drown.
If you look for Him in that storm, He will reveal a glimpse of Himself to you.
Those glimpses may be in the form of a text from a friend saying they are praying for you. A card from someone that speaks to your heart, or a kind word from a stranger.
All of these are glimpses of God showing up in your storm. Reminding you that He will never leave you nor forsake you!
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
Where do you see glimpses of God in your storm?
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