Consider His Presence

Mark 4:35–41 KJV 1900

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Storms can be unpredictable

These disciples no doubt had experienced storms on the Sea of Galilee but I doubt they had ever experienced one quite like this

Mark 4:37 KJV 1900

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

This storm was unpredicted and unpredictable

Life is unpredictable

We never know what a day may hold

But we have a friend that will help us through the unpredictability of life

But these disciples seemed to forget Who Jesus was

Storms can be unmerciful

When it rains it pours it seems sometimes

How do we respond when storms come?

Some of us have incredible work loads

Some have students who are giving them a run for their money

Some may be going through financial scares

Consider Christ’s presence

He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

We must have the right perspective! Jesus is right there

When we have the wrong perspective it will get our eyes off our Savior

A middle aged couple entered their teenage daughter’s room to find a note that said “Mom and Dad” on the top. They opened it up to see this letter:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am writing this letter on school paper because my stationary got burned in the fire. I am now out of the hospital, and I have now moved in with my new boyfriend, Bill. He got me a job where he works. I’m a waitress at the Red Dog Saloon. Your new grandbaby is due next fall.

Mom, Dad, none of the above really happened. However, I made a ‘C’ in French, and I’m failing history.

Love,

Your Daughter

It is interesting how our perspective can change so quickly by considering worse possible circumstances.

When trials come, the devil will try to get us to lose our perspective.

He will whisper in your ear, “You see, God isn’t with you. He doesn’t really care. Everyone else is against you too.” Remember, the devil is a liar and the father of all lies. God does care even in the midst of the storm.

They request His attention

Why is it that we doubt God’s care for us when we’re going through trials?

1 Peter 5:7 KJV 1900

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

The men on the boat with Jesus were questioning the love of the very originator of love. They wondered if God loved them when God is love.

God cares! And you can go to Him and request His attention

Hebrews 4:16 KJV 1900

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The request His help

The disciples did not have much faith when they requested this help, but God heard them and responded to them.

Even when we are weak and feeble, God hears us when we cry out to Him.

He rebuked the wind

The word rebuke means “to charge sharply.”

He spoke with authority to the winds, and they obeyed Him.

As you face storms, understand that there is a real devil who is trying to stop you from glorifying God with your life

He can only be rebuked by the powerful words of Jesus

Whatever kind of wind you may be facing today, there is power in the Word of God to defeat that wind.

He spoke to the sea

Jesus spoke to the sea and said, “Peace, be still.”

The word for peace means “silence; a hush, muteness, involuntary stillness, or inability to speak.”

The word for the phrase “Be still” means “to close the mouth with a muzzle.”

Jesus muzzled them and put them into muteness so that they could not disturb the great calmness that now existed.

It truly is so comforting to know that our Lord has the power to muzzle any stormy wind we may face. When you’re going through storms, rather than cowering in fear, trust in your all-powerful Saviour.

He challenged the disciples

Mark 4:40 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Every one of us have been there, where fear overpowers our faith.

But Jesus reminded the disciples that they didn’t have to be bound by fear.

Jesus knew the disciples were afraid, and He knows when we are afraid.

He sees the burdens we have on our hearts, and He knows when we are worried about tomorrow.

Christian, because the Lord’s “in the boat” with you, you have no reason to fear the storms.

God is our refuge! He is our defense! He is our strong tower! A very present help in trouble!

Conclusion

Whatever may be going on, trust God; consider His presence.

Put your faith in Him that He will get you through this storm.

And allow Him to mature you through it!