Why Are You Afraid         

“And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” “

Mark 4:40

This is in the context of the story of the great storm that was taking over the boat that Jesus and His followers were in.  Jesus was asleep in the boat when the storm became very fierce and the disciples woke Him up and asked if He didn’t care that they were about to drown.

Then He calmed the storm with a few words.

Why did He rebuke them after calming the storm?  They came to Him in their need.  It was a genuinely fearful situation they were in.

This night in the boat followed the feeding of the 5,000.  They had just seen Jesus miraculously meet the needs of 5,000 people!  Why would they think he couldn't take care of them in a storm?

Maybe He rebuked them because they needed to learn to wait for Him to take care of things without panic, trusting that He did know the situation even though it appeared He didn’t.  

Many people are amazed that we are returning to the 'storms' of life in Nigeria.

They have asked us if we are afraid.

We are not afraid.  We're excited to return to our friends and the ministry there and have peace knowing this is the journey God has for us. We know there will be stressful storms that will be out of our control. But we also know that Jesus is 'in the boat' with us.  He knows what is ahead and can take care of us.

Do I trust Him when the storms come?  Do I call out to Him in fear and desperation or do I call to Him in faith and confidence in His power and wisdom?  He is not surprised by my storm, He is waiting right beside me to help when I call out to Him. 

He doesn’t always calm the storms and seas around me.  But He does tell me to ‘Be Still and Know that I Am God”.  He always holds my hand through the storm giving me strength to endure.