"God, I'm Afraid."

Mark 4:35-40 (NLT)

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

My Personal Storm

I’m in a storm right now, and I'm not sure how to navigate it. I'm struggling to determine whether I should keep writing and publishing. The winds and waves are pushing me back and forth from one side of the boat to the other. Is this what God is calling me to do? Or is it just a reach for the spotlight on a stage? It seems like Jesus is asleep and doesn’t care what’s happening. Why doesn’t he help me make this choice? Can’t he hear me asking, pleading, crying out?

Jesus. Wake up! I'm drowning in indecision and questions!

The Struggle of Faith

My faith has faltered. It feels like I should just give up. But is that the enemy speaking? Maybe the wave that rocked my boat right now is telling me to put the pen down, close up the laptop, and find a hobby.

But Jesus isn’t absent. He knows exactly what’s happening in my storm. Maybe he’s waiting for me to trust him and move forward. Instead of giving up, I need to ramp up my faith. I need to start writing that book again: opening up my laptop and writing is what he wants me to do.

Here's the big idea. Instead of getting through the storm on my own, I need him to take control.

Jesus Is With Us

Just like with the disciples, Jesus is with us in the boat. He’s not sitting in Heaven, distant and uninvolved; He’s in the storm with us. He’s sitting on our couch, riding in our car, and standing beside us through the wind and waves.

He has calmed storms in my life many times before. Storms of marriage, divorce, parenting, loss of a job, and loss of friends. And Jesus gently shakes his head at me: When will you learn? After all these years, do you still have no faith?

Finding Strength in Scripture

One of my favorite verses, which I quote over and over, is a powerful reminder that we are never alone. God is our anchor in the storm. He promises to strengthen us and help us through our trials. God tells Isaiah (and me)-

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

The Power of Community

In times of trouble or when we feel totally unable to make a decision, we often forget the power of community. Sharing our burdens with others can lighten our load and help calm the storm. Have you ever noticed how a simple conversation can shift your perspective?

I climbed into an airport shuttle this morning to head from a writer's conference to the airport. A lovely woman sat next to me, and we talked about our doubts and fears. We just sat through an amazing conference where God's power was celebrated, and we were given tools and encouragement to tell our story for God's glory. But we both were frozen with fear.

As we tried to encourage each other, one of the keynote speakers sat next to us. By chance? No. We were able to share our thoughts and listen to her wisdom and encouragement.

That was Jesus, getting up and reminding me of his faithfulness!

I encourage you to reach out to that friend or family member who can share God's wisdom with you. They can be our lifelines, reminding us of God’s love and presence. Together, we can weather any storm.

In conclusion, life’s storms may be daunting, but we don’t have to face them alone. Jesus is with us, guiding us through the chaos. Let’s lean into our faith, trust in his timing, and embrace our community around us.

Together, we can find joy even in the storm. Let’s keep our hearts open to his love and encouragement. Remember, you are not alone.

Let’s weather this storm together, with Jesus as our anchor and guide.