If you are going through a difficult time then you are in good company. Research is showing that anxiety is running rampant in the world. There is a great sense of fear and uncertainty. So I want to share one of my favorite Bible passages with you. A passage I believe teaches us that there is hope, and may even give us a reason for these difficult times. It is in Mark 4:

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” ³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace. Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

There are times in life where we are terrified, hurting, or simply feel as though everything is out of control. And while those times often drive us to prayer…we also wonder if God is asleep!

This passages teaches us to not just sit in fear while the storm rages! We are to turn to God and say, “Wake up!” Okay, not quite like that, but the disciples needed to realize that Jesus was present in the storm. There was no need to panic (easier said than done)! We also don’t need to wait until we are paralyzed with fear to reach out to God. And let’s take a look at something incredible that occurred due to this storm:

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

I’m not saying I enjoy the fact that God uses very difficult times to teach us lessons, and to increase our faith, but that is what just happened. Jesus may want to ask you and I, “Why are you so afraid?”

If we are honest, we may say, “Because I’m not sure you are going to take care of me” or “I’m worried you aren’t going to give me the outcome I’m looking for!” When we are are overwhelmed with life we must remember, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him?”

Main Point:

• God is in the storm! And when we ride out the storms with Him we will gain an incredible level of faith, because we will learn that He is truly in control!

Prayer:

I don’t know about you but there are times that I can’t pray. My heart is too heavy, and words to express what I need will not come to me. So, allow me to write one for you.

• God I simply want to know you are there…I need to feel your presence, power, and love. Will you please bring peace into my heart and soul, and protect me from harm. God my faith is weak, but I’m giving you all that I have at this moment. I am handing it all to you. Amen

I love you & may you hear the words, “Peace Be Still”

Tony