On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?” 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. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
MARK 4:35-41 ESV
Mark 4:35-41 ESV
Today, I want to share a devotional that looks into the powerful and comforting message found in Mark 4:35-41. This passage recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm, a narrative rich with meaning and relevance for our lives. As we explore this passage together, we will see that it isn’t about whether we have “enough” faith, but about placing our faith in the right person—Jesus. Faith in Jesus is all we need. It’s not about how much we have or if we’re good enough. It’s about whether or not Jesus is enough. And He is always good enough. He is always enough.
The Story: Jesus Calms the Storm
In Mark 4:35-41, we find Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. As evening falls, a great storm comes up, and the waves begin to break into the boat, filling it with water. The disciples, terrified and desperate, wake Jesus, who is sleeping on a cushion in the stern. They cry out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
Jesus wakes up, rebukes the wind, and says to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately, the wind dies down, and there is a great calm. He then turns to His disciples and asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples are left in awe and fear, marveling at the fact that even the wind and waves obey Him. This powerful display of Jesus’ authority over nature not only calms the storm but also reveals His divine nature and power.
Jesus’ Dominance Over Chaos
This story is not just about a miraculous event on the Sea of Galilee. It is also a profound declaration of Jesus’ dominance over chaos, reminiscent of the creation narrative in Genesis 1. In the beginning, God brought order out of chaos, creating the world with His word. Similarly, Jesus, with His word, brings order and calm to the chaotic storm. This imagery reminds us that Jesus has power over the worst that the world can throw at us. He stands in our place as all that we need in this life.
Application: Trusting Jesus in Our Challenges
Many of us face challenges in our family relationships and worry about the future of our congregation. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and question whether we have enough faith to make it through. But the message of Mark 4:35-41 is clear: it’s not about the quantity of our faith but the object of our faith.
Jesus stands ready to calm the storms in our lives, whether they are personal, familial, or within our church community. He calls us to trust in Him, not in our ability to muster enough faith. His question to the disciples, “Do you still have no faith?” is a gentle reminder that our trust should be in Him, not in ourselves. It’s not up to some vague quality within ourselves that we may or may not have enough of. Its all about where we put our faith.
Connecting to Genesis 1
The connection to Genesis 1 reinforces this message. Just as God brought order out of chaos at the beginning of creation, Jesus brings peace and calm into our chaotic lives. His power is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the same God who created the world and who calms the storms in our lives.
Encouragement: Faith in Action
So, how do we live this out? How do we place our faith in Jesus, especially when we face challenges?
- Daily Prayer: Begin each day with a prayer, asking Jesus to guide and calm your heart. Trust that He is with you in every situation.
- Scripture Reading: Immerse yourself in God’s Word. Let stories like Mark 4:35-41 remind you of Jesus’ power and presence.
- Be the Body of Christ, not just another religious 501C3: Lean on your church community. Share your struggles and fears with trusted friends and family members. Pray for one another and encourage each other to trust in Jesus.
- Acting in Faith: Take steps of faith, even when you feel doubt. Trust that Jesus is with you, guiding and supporting you.
Call to Action: Trust in Jesus Together
As a congregation, let’s commit to trusting Jesus together. Let’s support one another in faith, reminding each other that our strength comes from Him. Let’s be a community that reflects the calm and peace of Jesus, even in the midst of life’s storms.
Conclusion
In closing, remember that it’s not about having “enough” faith. It’s about placing our faith in Jesus, the One who has power over all creation. He is always good enough, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Let’s borrow His strength and trust in His promises, knowing that He will carry us through every storm.
Let’s continue to pray for one another, encouraging each other to place our faith in Jesus. Together, we can face any challenge with the confidence that He is with us, calming the storms and bringing peace to our hearts.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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