Jesus was on the Sea of Galilee with His
disciples when a fierce storm hit. Waves were crashing over the side and the
boat was filling up with water as Jesus slept in the stern (Mark 4:35-41). The disciples
panicked because the ship would soon go under. Jesus was in the stern, the
lowest place in the boat and the first to fill up with water. He’s covered with
water—but He’s sleeping!
This is the only incident in the Bible where it
specifically states Jesus is sleeping. The disciples are screaming in fear but
Jesus is at perfect peace. The disciples woke Him up yelling, “Don’t you care that we’re
going to drown?” From their viewpoint, it looked like God wasn’t in control
and didn’t care about them. But this was a laboratory experiment to teach
His disciples—and us—that He’s in control, even when our world is falling
apart.
If
they hadn’t awoken Jesus, He would have slept through the entire storm. I can’t
imagine Jesus waking up and saying, “Whoa! I had no idea this storm was about
to sink the boat. Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?” Jesus could sleep because He
knew His Father was in control even when He wasn’t awake.
Jesus
commanded the winds to be still and the sea became perfectly calm (Mark 4:39),
which proved He was in control of the storm. The disciples were amazed He could
actually calm the storm simply by speaking words. And He can calm you as well. He says to your heart, “Peace, be
still. Do not be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” Listen carefully, and you’ll hear Him
whispering those words to your heart.
You’ll
never be able to sleep through the storm like Jesus did until you first rest in
the fact God is in control. God is still with you, even if He appears to be
sleeping and unconcerned. If the Lord doesn’t calm the storm you’re going
through, He will keep you calm as you go through the storm. Either way removes
fear and brings peace. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
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Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
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www.makinglifecount.net Twitter: @KentCrockett
