We are living in tumultuous and distressing times.  The whole earth is undergoing a frightening storm.  The winds are howling and the waves are crashing all around us.  However, as believers in Jesus Christ, Jesus is in the boat with us while we are sailing through this storm.  In fact, Jesus says we will make it to the other side.   

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus told his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side.”  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  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?”  

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet!  Be still!”  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, “why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”  They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him,” (NIV). 

Similarly, like the disciples, we are experiencing the howling storm of sickness and death around us, economic uncertainty, loss of income, loss of retirement funds, isolation, stress, uncertainty and fear of the future.  However, Jesus is in our boat with us and He promised us that we are going to the other side of this tumultuous season.  Jesus was at rest, sleeping through the storm.  How could Jesus be sleeping soundly through the storm?   Jesus knew that until his time came to drink his cup of suffering, no harm could come to him.  He was not worried about the storm, because he knew he was at the center of his Father’s will and knew that his Father would never let any harm come to him.  Jesus trusted or had faith in his Father.  He knew he was his father’s beloved and that a loving father would not disappoint or prove himself unfaithful.  Jesus was also God in human flesh.  He had power and authority over the winds and the waves.  He had authority over the storm.   

 We are not alone in the storms of life.  Just as Jesus trusted his Father and was at peace in the storm, he wants us to be at peace and trust the Father also.  Jesus gives us everlasting life and no one can pluck us out of God’s hands.  He encourages us to read and meditate on His Word so that we can build up our faith and trust in him. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” (KJV).  Jesus also has bequeathed his peace unto us.  In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Not as the world gives, do I give to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled,) (AMPC). 

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all under-standing shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” (AMPC). 

God is in control.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  As we continue to put our trust and hope in him, He will not disappoint us.  He is in the boat with us, and He promised we are going to the other side.  As the storm continues to howl, Jesus will calm any emotional storm inside us and He will bring an end to this crisis we are going through.  Let us keep our eyes on Jesus.  Whom shall we fear? Let us encourage the ones who are afraid and do not know Jesus. Share the gospel with them, so that they can experience the Prince of Peace.  Be a voice for the gospel.  Wear Scriptures!