Daily Word: In the Midst of the Storm

In Mark 4:35, Yeshua says, "Let us cross over to the other side." For those in the first century, this would have been understood as meaning to the Gentile side of the Sea of Galilee. The Scriptures inform us that a great storm began. Wind and waves were falling on the boat. An interesting theological debate is whether Yeshua knew in advance that the storm would occur and thus, directed His disciples into a perilous circumstances, or whether Yeshua' humanity did not permit Him to know the future. Either way, the disciples find themselves in a dangerous place. Yeshua is sleeping on a blanket in the stern of the boat, seemingly oblivious to the plight of His followers. They wake Him and ask, "Master, don't you care? We are perishing!" Yeshua gets up and rebukes the wind and sea and simply says, "Cease! Be silent." The wind and sea obey the words of Yeshua. Then, almost in disbelief, Yeshua says, "Why are you fearful in this manner? And why is there no faith in you?" By this time, Yeshua had performed many miracles and provided signs revealing His authority on earth. The Hebrew mindset sought for signs demonstrating the power of God. Yeshua had provided those signs, so He did not believe the disciples' fear was justified.

What does Yeshua teach in these verses: (1) Sometimes you may be led into trouble; (2) in the midst of trouble, your faith should remain constant in the power of God to bring you through the difficulty; (3) Yeshua has power over nature; (4) Yeshua does care about His disciples; (5) Yeshua does not want you to be fearful in the midst of the storms of life; (6) Faith resides within you as is expressed in your actions; and (7) Yeshua wants you to have faith in Him and not in the storm.

Today's verses should bring us comfort in the midst of life's difficulties. Regardless of what you are facing, if you call upon Yeshua, He may arise and come to your defense. He has authority over the trials of life. You may have been led into the difficulty you are facing, but do not despair, He can speak the word of deliverance and set you free.