Devotions this week based on the Message: “Fear or Faith?”
How would you react?
What started as a calm ride across the Sea of Galilee after a long day of teaching turned into a panic and fear of drowning.
Storms were always a threat on the Sea of Galilee. Experienced fisherman would know what to look for and what to do should the weather turn ugly.
But this time was different. Waves were crashing over the boat to the point those in the boat thought they were going to perish.
I would have to. I remember when a member in North Carolina took us sailing on his 30’ sailboat. Even though the waters were relatively calm, I felt like we were just a gust of wind away from tipping over and ending up capsized.
Yet in the midst of the storm on Galilee, Jesus is sleeping.
Mark 4:35-41 records it his way:
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
The contrast is stark – the fear and panic of the disciples and the peace and rest of Jesus.
I don’t know about you, but I’d like more of the peace and rest like Jesus and less of the fear and panic like the disciples.
Jesus promised in John 14:27:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
So, Jesus’ heart is clear. He wants us to enjoy peace and rest and he provides what we need to have just that. Listen to yesterday’s message if you haven’t and journey through the devotions this week to learn from Jesus and the disciples in the boat how Jesus replaces fear with faith.
Apply: What are the storms of life that are brewing or raging in your life right now. What are your fears regarding them?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us peace in the midst of fear. Spirit of God, work in me to more and more replace my fears with confident faith. Amen.