Have you ever asked Jesus a dumb question? As a young person, I asked God for a famous singing career. I’m so glad God slammed the door on that one. God also knows that I don’t have the thick skin needed for an industry that delights in shattering self-worth. He has given me a life that is so much more satisfying. Sometimes we become anxious and ask Jesus questions, but He has already demonstrated His wonderful character. The problem is, I don’t always listen. Many times in my life, I have conveniently ignored God’s voice and Who He is.
FEAR AND DOUBT REPLACED THEIR FAITH
Some of the disciples asked Jesus dumb questions, ones they should have already known the answers to. During a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee, their boat was being covered with the waves, and they began to be swamped and were in danger. At this point, Jesus was asleep and had to be awakened. The disciples were unnerved to see Jesus sleeping through all of this. Fear and doubt had replaced their faith.`
TEACHER, DON’T YOU CARE?
Of course, Jesus could keep them safe. This was the time to trust in His presence to bring them through any storm that could arise, no matter how violent or how turbulent. In Mark 4:35-41, they asked: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Isn’t Jesus the same person who left the beauty of heaven to come to this dirty, sinful planet to rescue these same disciples from the pit of hell? Of course, Jesus cared if they drowned!
WHO IS THIS?
After the calming of the storm, the disciples asked, “ Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” They wondered who Jesus is. Is it so hard to believe that the God who spoke things into existence also controls the weather?
MY MEMORABLE TRIP HOME
Why am I usually mystified when God changes events and saves me from my trainwreck decisions and circumstances? During these past months of Bill’s illness, there were times the storms threatened to overwhelm me. I was scared and thought the boat was sinking fast. One memorable moment was the evening of his first emergency trip to the ER. Bill’s health was in crisis. By the time he was moved up to a hospital room, I was physically and emotionally wiped out.
The hour was really late, and outside, the rain was torrential. I just wanted to get home to sleep for a few hours. Due to my eye condition, I have very little night vision. I was terrified of facing the drive home alone in the blinding rain. (My sons later asked me why I didn’t call an UBER, but that didn’t even occur to me.) Then I realized God was in charge. I would have preferred He sponsor a chariot of fire to transport me from LGH to our apartment, but instead, He sent His angels to guide my journey. I followed the taillights of the car in front of me and gloriously only hit one curb on my journey. He transported me home. He cared. Even the driving force of the storm obeyed Him.
DO WE TRUST ONLY WHEN THE SEAS ARE CALM?
It is easy to join the disciples in asking, “Don’t you care?” But that is foolish because I know He cares. He has and will bring us through this. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). So, do we trust him just when the seas are calm? When everything is going smoothly? Or do we trust him when the dark clouds of fear and depression surround us, and life is overwhelming? Who is this? He is God!