A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: WHY ARE YOU AFRAID?

TEXT: MARK 4: 35-41

KEY VERSE He said to his followers, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” MARK 4:40(ERV)

Jesus invited his disciples to join him on a journey across the lake. However, on the way, a strong wind blew and caused the boat to fill with water, making the disciples fearful. They woke Jesus up and asked for his help in the midst of the disaster. The disciples’ question reflects how we often respond to challenging situations.

They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!”

The disciples feared drowning and doubted Jesus’ care for them. Trials and temptations often lead us to doubt God’s love. However, Jesus was aware of their situation as He invited them on the trip and was in the boat with them

Though Jesus, as a human, slept amid the storm, the scriptures promise us that God will not sleep nor slumber. God cares for us and manifests it through his providence. Jesus demonstrated God’s love through His teachings and miracles, like multiplying bread and fish or healing people’s diseases. Even with all that, some people still struggle to feel that love. 

Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. Psalms 121:4

It’s interesting how fear and lack of faith can affect our actions and decisions. It seems like the disciples struggled with both, as they didn’t fully believe in the power of their leader and were afraid for their lives. Fear and lack of faith can limit us and affect our actions.

 They were very afraid and asked each other, “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!” Mark 4:41

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and my savior. I believe that He can do anything and everything that is according to His will. I definitely believe that Jesus cares for me and will protect me from the storms of life, just like He promised in the Bible. Apostle Paul’s strong faith in God is truly inspiring, and it reminds me to spend more time in the scriptures to build up my own faith in God.

I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. Philippians 1:6

And I suffer now because of that work. But I am not ashamed because I know the one I have put my trust in. And I am sure that he is able to protect what I have put into his care until that Day. 2Timothy 1:12

Building up our faith through the knowledge of the scriptures is a powerful way to overcome fear and find peace. It’s important to remember that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and to trust in that promise in moments of fear and doubt. By embracing the love of God, which never fails, we can rid our hearts of fear and unbelief and find comfort and strength in His presence.

So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

Christ will always continue to love us. Nothing can stop that! We may have troubles. Things may make us sad or afraid. People may do bad things to us. We may have no food or no clothes. There may be great danger. People may even try to kill us. But none of these things can stop Christ from loving us. Romans 8:35(EASY)

Prayer

1. Father, thank you for your love for me and my family; help me to remember all you have done for me.

2. Father, help me to build up my faith in you through your word in Jesus’ name.

3. Father, deliver me from every belief that you or others do not love me.

4. Father, I surrender my fears concerning my health, finances, children and safety to you; I trust you can take care of me. 

5. Father, manifest your power over every storm against me in Jesus’ name. 

6. Father, help me grow in confidence and peace that my future is safe with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Photo by Boba Jovanovic on Unsplash