uh-oh
June 6, 2009
READ: Mark 4:35-41
The disciples were absolutely terrified (v.41).
It was a great hotel room. The only problem was that it was in Manhattan, on the eleventh floor of a building with windows that didn’t open. I’m not a big fan of small, enclosed spaces, and the walls seemed to be closing in on me. I suddenly felt sweaty and my pulse quickened.
The disciples had one of those “uh-oh” moments on the Sea of Galilee. It all started when Jesus said, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” (v.35). He then allowed an encounter with deadly whitecaps and wind so that He could teach the disciples that He was (and is) “supreme over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).
Fear often has a greater purpose—a godly purpose. It’s up to us to reach out to Jesus and look for His lesson. Unfortunately, the disciples let fear engulf them before reaching for Jesus’ help. They waited until the boat was filling with water to shout, “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38). If we’re going to offset fear, we have to call on Jesus pronto—the moment we feel afraid. It’s like the psalmist said, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You” (Psalm 56:3).
Oddly, that reflexive response to fear comes from acknowledging that Jesus is far “scarier” than anything else. Mark noted that “the disciples were absolutely terrified” (Mark 4:41) after Jesus’ miracle. Sure, they were seriously spooked by the storm, but they were terrified after watching Jesus turn howling wind to utter silence and smooth the deafening waves into tranquil waters.
Whether it’s the wide-open sea at night or a teensy room in the middle of a city, fear can bring on those “uh-oh” moments. But with God’s help, we do not have to let fear flood the boat. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
What are some lessons that Jesus might be teaching you through a recent experience with fear? What can you do to keep fear from ruling your life?
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June 6, 2009
READ: 2 Timothy 2:1-4
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. —2 Timothy 2:3
In the television miniseries Band of Brothers, the 101st Airborne is flown over their drop zone during D-Day, the major offensive to liberate Europe from Nazi control. As the main character, Lt. Richard Winters, parachutes from the plane, the crack of antiaircraft and machine-gun fire fills the air.
Winters later reflected on his first day in combat: “That night, I took time to thank God for seeing me through that day of days . . . . And if somehow I manage to get home again, I promise God and myself that I would find a quiet piece of land someplace, and spend the rest of my life in peace.” Winters knew he must endure until that day came.
The Bible tells us that believers are caught in a conflict initiated by Satan’s rebellion against God. Because of this, we are challenged to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). In Paul’s day, the Roman legionnaires suffered in service for the emperor. As followers of Jesus, we may be called upon to do the same for the King of kings.
In heaven, we will no longer experience such difficulties but will enjoy lasting peace with the Savior. For now, we are to persevere by faith. — Dennis Fisher
Victory is sure for those who endure.
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