Ghosted 4: Perseverance is REAL

Where we have gone...

Feelings can deceive us...

God’s presence is a reality

The Holy Spirit is the only spirit worth entertaining

What about situations that are out of our control? We have NO REASON to be AFRAID…Why?

Mark 4:35–36 CSB

35 On that day, when evening had come, he told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.” 36 So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat. And other boats were with him.

After a day of teaching the crowds on the shore of the sea, darkness had descended and Jesus has decided that it’s time to move. So they gather in boats to set out across the Sea of Galilee.

There is something that we need to understand here to fully grasp what is going on. Yes, among the followers of Jesus there were fishermen in the group who were accustomed to navigating the waters. But...

Many references in the Bible to the sea had negative connotations

Jews were not sea sailers, they were desert dwellers. Abraham was a shepherd, Israel wandered in the desert, David spent much time in the wilderness. The sea was threatening and dangerous. Seas contained beasts and evil.

Genesis 1:2 depicts the beginning of the world as watery chaos and then God brought order. The earth, God’s creation rested on the sea (Psalm 24:1-2) and with His power He controlled it (Psalm 104:5-9).

Floods were a sign of God’s judgment. Jonah was thrown in its depths and rescued from it upon repentance.

The sea was the home of the horrible dragon Leviathan (symbolizing pagan nations)

The Sea was a dangerous, treacherous place.

Yet, Jesus directed them to go…where? (Cross to the other side)

As they were crossing the sea...

BEGIN THE STORM

Mark 4:37 CSB

37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.

As they were crossing, something happened. They were surrounded by danger and destruction. They found themselves in a situation beyond their control, at the mercy of the elements, and at the precipice of death.

And were was Jesus?

Mark 4:38 CSB

38 He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?”

In their moment of despair, when the environment around them had become too much for them to handle, Jesus was absent. Where was Jesus? He was there…but he was asleep. And they immediately confronted him and his lack of concern for their well being.

Mark 4:39 ESV

39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And Jesus responded.

Jesus “rebukes” the wind and “silences” the “sea.”

Be silent - literally to “tie shut” or “muzzle”

Jesus was addressing the elements as if they were demonic — a theme that appears in Judaisms belief system.

And then he turned to his followers and rebuked them...

Mark 4:40–41 CSB

40 Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

The situation appeared to be out of control. These men has chosen to set aside their lives and follow Jesus and this is where they have ended up…about to die at sea in the midst of a storm.

Yet, they had reason to not be afraid…Why?

If we would only HEAR the Word of the Lord and TRUST the Word of the Lord, we have no reason to be afraid. Even in the midst of the storm. Even when it appears that God has abandoned us. Even when it appears that hope has been lost.

Look with me...

Jesus promised that the would make it to the other side (35)

Mark 4:35 ESV

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”

We can trust Him at His Word. His plans will never fail. He did not promise an easy trip but He did promise that they would make it to the other side.

Jesus was with them (36)

Mark 4:36 ESV

And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.

His power was already on display so why should they fear the storm?

Jesus was at peace (38)

Mark 4:38 ESV

But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

He was not stressed over the situation, so why should they?

We must remember this reality when we go through seasons of struggle. Ironically, the greatest danger in moments of uncertainty has nothing to do with the external pressures.

The greatest danger rests in our own hearts (unbelief).

Our greatest problem is not around us, it’s within us.

When the darkness has enveloped you…when the storm sets in…and God seems silent…how are you going to respond?

Are you going to panic and questions God’s purpose and plan…or will you trust in the promises of God?

Are you going to question God’s presence and concern for your life…or will you remember that He is in the boat with you?

Are you going to allow the uncertainty around you and the unbelief within you to dominate you…or will you rest in the peace of God for you?