The Boat Stayed Up

Mark 4:35-41 gives the account in which the disciples were with Jesus in a fishing vessel on the Sea of Galilee. A great storm of wind arose, “and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.”

We go through storms in our life, many storms, but only one at a time. Things seem to be going well, and out of nowhere a turbulent time comes upon us, sometimes so severe that we don’t think we can survive. What is worse is when we question, like the disciples did, Christ’s goodness toward us: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

O yes, Jesus cares! He causes or allows the storm in our life in order to teach us to trust Him. Should He choose, Jesus can instantly calm the storm: “Peace, be still.” The disciples then marveled: “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” In the storm the Lord allows us to see Him in ways we otherwise wouldn’t.

He also keeps us from sinking in the storm. The passage says that the boat was full of water—and it did not sink! How many times can you and I testify that the Lord keeps us afloat in our storm! The trial overwhelms, but the Lord sustains. Our lack of faith deserves harshness, but the Lord shows mercy. How encouraging to know that the Lord enables us even in the most trying times. “O for grace to trust Him more.”