Mark 4:37-41
37 And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38 And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. 40 And He said to them, "Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (NAS)
Jesus had just finished teaching the people and casting out demons. As He often would He led His disciples to a retreat away from the crowds. This was one of those times. They climbed into a fishing boat and headed out across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was tired and found a place to recline and take a much needed nap.
While He was sleeping a storm arose and threatened the fishing boat and the disciples. The winds were so fierce and the waves so high that the little boat was in danger of sinking. The disciples were very afraid. They awoke Him in desperation and asked a most interesting question, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?”
They had just watched Jesus teaching, healing and casting out demons from the crowds that gathered. They knew Him to be more than an ordinary man, yet questioned His care of them. If you were asked if Jesus cares for people what would you say? Of course you would encourage them to trust that God not only cares, but is prepared to come to their aid.
But how many times do you face issues in your life when you like the disciples ask God, “Don’t you care about me?” Deep down inside you know He does, but it is easy to question Him when things are difficult.
You may be facing something today that is overwhelming; a storm in your life. Do you wonder where God is? Is fear your number one emotion? The disciples woke Jesus from sleep and with fear and not faith they asked for Him to do something. He spoke the word and the storm ceased. He then asked them the key question. It is a question He may be asking you right now;
“Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have faith?”
After quieting the storm the disciples had a new fear. It was the awe and reverence and amazement of being in the presence of God. That kind of fear is needed. It acknowledges that you are in the presence and cared for by a God who loves you. Let Him quiet your storm.
Why not place your faith in Him right now.
______________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Merry Christmas!
I am so grateful to be celebrating another Christmas with my family and all of you. God has so blessed me with life and joy. Our family will be celebrating Christmas in Tempe this year where it is beautiful 70 degree weather with the sun bringing light and warmth. Sandy and I often speak of how grateful we are that God brought us here over 22 years ago.
We have already begun our month of parties, concerts and church programs. We already celebrated our daughter, Susan's, birthday. Saturday we will have a joint party for Mandy and Roger. Collin's birthday is the 28th. Collin and Bennett have music concerts this week at their respective schools. Sandy and I finished our "Celebrating Life" conference at Church on Mill on Wednesday night the 8th.
I will be preaching at Crossroads Baptist Church in Apache Junction on December 26th and at Grace Community Church in Tempe on January 2nd. I so look forward to sharing God's Word.
The annual Quartizite Gem and Rock Show will be the whole month of January. Sandy and I will be there teaching and doing street evangelism January 13-21. We are also considering working at the NASCAR Race in Las Vegas in March. I would be leading chapel services and other ministry activities. I am already scheduled to preach at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler on Mother's Day. Praise God for open doors for ministry.
I so enjoy hearing from you. You are such and encouragement to me and Sandy. Your words and actions keep us going. We believe that God has placed you in our lives to enrich our family and ministry. I also want to thank you for your financial support which allows us to be involved in volunteer ministry which we could not do without your help. Thanks for being so supportive. Keep us in your prayers.
Many of you ask about our health. Both of us are doing very well. This is the best I have felt in over two years. My blood work shows major improvement. I still have cancer but it is not growing at this time. For that I praise the Lord. Sandy is doing well and continues her ministry of teaching as well as being a wonderful Grammie to our three, soon to be four, grandchildren. By the way Mandy and baby are doing great. Baby is due May 21st.
Check out the blog site. www.dgtheencourager.blogspot.com Take time to subscribe.
Love all of you. ~ DGW
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