Have you ever felt as if you were wandering alone in the dark, not knowing what disasters were waiting for you in the shadows or when light would ever shine again? The disciples encountered a similar experience with the treacherous sea storm in Mark 4:35-41. Even though they had Jesus at their side, they let their circumstances drive them to fear.
The storm set in suddenly. Not only did the disciples face the dangers of the rough waters, but they were surrounded by darkness as well. There were no life jackets. There were no lifeboats. They felt they were at the mercy of the great storm.
The relationship between faith and fear is like a seesaw. When one is up, the other is down.
In a panic, they called for Jesus, crying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38). Jesus got up and silenced the storm with a simple rebuke: "Quiet! Be still!" (v. 39). Then He asked the disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (v. 40). Through this traumatic event, the disciples plainly encountered the divinity of Jesus, which led them to place their fear and awe rightly in the one who is sovereign even over the wind and waves.
Many times, we want God to fix our problems instantly. We want the raging waters around us to cease immediately. Yet, sometimes God has a word for us. He wants us to deepen our faith and to grow in Him—to see Him with fresh eyes. He wants us to follow in faith—no matter how dark our circumstances seem.
Once Jesus stilled the storm, He informed the disciples that their fears were great and their faith was little. The relationship between faith and fear is like a seesaw. When one is up, the other is down. So when we allow fear to rise, our faith will decline. But the opposite is true as well. When we increase our faith, fears will fail, and we will soar in reverent awe of the majestic, omnipotent Creator, who loves us.
Prayer: God, in the midst of this storm, help me to grasp what You want to teach me. Help my faith to grow. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Freedom from Fear: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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