PEACE IN THE MIDST OF STORM( Part 2)

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF STORM (part 2)

2. Do not stay in fear (verse 40).

Another thing that we need to remember when we are in a storm is that we should not stay in fear when a crisis hits us.

Let’s face it. All of us get afraid when we are in a difficult situation. But we must not stay in fear!

The cry of the disciples in verse 38 does not come as a request but as an expression of utmost fear. They felt that their Master didn't care about themselves.

Mark gives a graphic description of the fearful situation that the disciples were in. Verse 37 is rendered in the Analytical-Literal Translation as: “Then a great storm of wind comes, and the waves were splashing [epeballen] (imperfect tense – past continuous tense) into the boat, with the result that it is already being filled [Gemizesthai] (present tense – present continuous tense).”

The disciples were in a terrible situation. The storm was life-threatening. They were not afraid for no reason. Some of these disciples were experienced fishermen. But they understood that this storm could snatch away their very lives that night. Still, Jesus asked them, "Why are you so afraid?"

At first, this question may seem strange. Who in his right mind wouldn’t be fearful when a storm hits him? But Jesus went on to ask them as to why they didn’t have any faith. The implication was that if they had faith in what Jesus had told them, they wouldn’t have been fearful.

The antidote to fear is faith. Faith kills fear, just as fear kills faith. They are opposing forces. We need to choose to make faith the norm for our lives. We need to have faith in our trustworthy God.

The Bible doesn’t ask us to use faith during the times of crisis, but the Bible says in Habakkuk 2:4 that “the righteous live by faith.”

Ps 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

The Bible says in Ps 23:4 that “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

In verse 40, Jesus is essentially saying, “Why are you afraid when I'm in the boat?”

The phrases like “Fear not”, “Don’t be afraid” are used 365 times in the Bible.

Jesus says in John 14:1 that “Let not your heart be troubled.” We shouldn’t allow fear to rule over us.

Romans 10:17- faith comes by hearing the Word of God; in the same way, fear comes by hearing the world and Satan.

Some believers sing of trampling the serpents under their feet, but some are afraid of even cockroaches.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God did not give us a spirit of timidity (ESV: fear), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Saints of God, when we are going through storms, we should not stay in fear! But we need to kill fear by faith!This is what fear means, false evidence appearing real. Don't allow false things to appear real in your life. Till I come your way again in part three. God bless you, shalom.

Peace in the midst of storm.