Wild Ride!

Storms, what a wild ride!

Mark chapter 4 (vv35-41) Later that day, in the evening, Jesus tells the disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side.” They loaded up in the boat, where Jesus was, with other boats with Him. A furious windstorm came up, causing the waves to react so strongly, the water was dumping into the boat. Jesus was in the back of the boat sleeping, and the guys woke Him up concerned saying “Don’t You care that we are going to drown?” Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” The wind stopped and everything was calm. Jesus said to His crew, “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”  They were all terrified, and asked amongst themselves, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

We have often heard the saying (in reference to Jesus and storms and the storms of life) to “Invite Jesus into our boat.” A great principle.  But in THIS story, the context is different.  If we look back to verse 1 here in Mark 4, it says Jesus was teaching by the lake, the crowd grew so large He got in a boat and sat down, while the people stayed on shore. Fast forward to verse 35, Jesus invited the guys into HIS boat—where HE was.  Hm.

Interesting, Jesus states His destination is the other side and you get in HIS boat?  It is certain you WILL reach the other side.  May we be aware of where Jesus is and what He says.

Notice, there are seasoned men of the sea on board, and THEY too were concerned.  Even their strength of experience was no match for this storm.  What do we usually reach for when things are out of our control?  The panic button. They were buzzing that thing like crazy! Yet, it’s safe to say, they cried out to Jesus! Regardless of experience or acclaimed know how or even denial of severity, don’t be so proud as to not cry out to Jesus! “Pride is standing before a Holy God—and flexing.”1 Flexing with the “I’ve got this!” mindset.  Rick Warren said, “Humility isn’t denying your strengths; it’s being honest about your weakness.”  Cry out to Jesus!

Not to mention (but I will).  There are often storms of our own making.  Remember Jonah? God commissioned him to go to Nineveh—yet he ran the opposite direction. He was rebellious, disobedient AND unrepentant. God sent the storm to get his attention. When a storm hits in life (metaphorically speaking) look for any disobedience and running from God. Make what God focused adjustment may be needed! Scholars believe when Jonah prayed within the belly of the big fish and God caused it to puke Jonah out—Jonah ended up right where he started. God’s mandate had not changed, “Go to Nineveh.”  He did. When we don’t know our next move, go back to where we last heard God. Be obedient THERE!

Additionally, remember, Jesus told the guys “Let’s go to the other side.”  They obeyed and piled in the boat; this proves even in our obedience we can encounter storms.

A pastor friend of mine recently said, “Don’t sink your own boat.” How many times have we self-sabotaged something in our life? Our behavior was to intentionally stop, damage or destroy something from achieving progress.  Short circuiting something God may be working on. But we are lazy, prideful, rebellious, apathetic devaluing God’s word and hinder or delay His plan. The culture today is to seek and prioritize our happiness.  If it doesn’t make us happy; we stop or “Throw it away.” God is definitely working for our good (Romans 8:28). BUT He is not concerned with making us happy (although a by-product) but working to make us holy!

Storms bring revelation of Jesus. He stood up declaring His authority over the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be Still!”  What the disciples’ thought was disastrous, Jesus completely subdued with three words (two in Greek).  It doesn’t say those in the boat were terrified until AFTER Jesus divinely wrangled the elements. The guys’ terrified awe filled response, “Who is this man?  Even the wind and waves obey Him.”  Worship is our response to the revelation of Jesus. Worship Him.

Lastly, our crying out to Jesus affects others. Did you pick up on that?  They weren’t alone out there, there were other boats as well. They too saw and experienced the storm. Imagine as the winds begin to howl—all eyes directed to Jesus. They may not have heard Him, but they could see Him stand.  The God in the boat Who stood up. Then. Calm. Jesus’ response to the disciples crying out to Him, calming the sea—calmed for ALL on the sea.  HOW we handle the storms in life affect others. Folks, others are doing life with us, some closely and some watching from afar. Others are waiting for our GOD focused response. They too will witness the sovereignty of God!

Storms, what a wild ride!

Listen and watch Jesus in ALL circumstances of life (storm or not). Cry out to Jesus—regardless. Watch for self-sabotaging. Obey where you hear God (or we’ll get a Jonah round trip too). How we handle storms affect others (hang on appropriately). Cry out to Jesus.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” Hebrews 10:24).

The above is an excerpt of my time sharing with the women at Abundant Life Center in Jefferson, Oregon.  If you’re ever in the area, come worship Jesus with us.

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1 Megan Marshman