On a daily basis we face many storms. Whether it is based on politics, finances, health, or relationships, how we deal with these storms will help to determine whether or not we will survive while in the midst of them. The narrative that is found in Mark 4:35-41 describes an incident that took place when Jesus and His disciples were in a boat crossing the sea. “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’”—Mark 4:37-40, NKJV.
The fact that Jesus was in the boat with the disciples should have given them assurance of His protection. Even if He were not physically with them, their faith in God should have assured them that God would protect them from the wind and the rain. God will not always cause the storms of life to cease, as Jesus did for the disciples, but He will be with us through the storms to protect us from the devastating effects of the enemy’s assaults.
There are some who believe that our government is leading the nation in the wrong direction, creating a storm. Some of us have become fearful and frantic about the future of this nation. Others have become concerned about the economic stability of this country. Others are extremely concerned about the health challenges they face daily, wondering whether or not healing will take place in their lives. Still others are not comfortable with their relationships at home, on the job, or in their personal lives. These experiences can create storms that spiral out of control and create fearful and uncertain situations.
What is the solution to the problems we face on a regular basis? The answer is found in Jesus Christ. It may seem that He is sleeping and doesn’t care that we perish. At times we may feel that the water is filling the boat all around us and it appears that He is sound asleep, but be of good courage, He can calm the rolling seas and He can still whatever storms are in our lives. Have faith in the One who calms the waters and controls the sea. God’s silence is not indicative of His absence.
Ellen White said, “If the disciples had trusted in [Jesus], they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help”—The Desire of Ages, p. 336. The believers must have peace in the midst of the storms of life. It won’t always be calm at sea; trouble may come, but it will not last forever. Our faith and trust in Jesus will help us to navigate the rough seas that we encounter along life’s journey.
The storms of life may threaten our very existence and cause us to despair without hope, bringing a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Remember that Jesus is in the boat and, if we put our faith and confidence in Him, we will have peace. The prophet Isaiah declared, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”—Isaiah 26:3, NKJV.
G. Earl Knight is president of the Atlantic Union Conference and chairman of the Atlantic Union College Board of Trustees.