We all have struggles, even the disciples did.

Jesus and his authority makes for good news.

We often encounter those people who are fixed under the burden of spiritual inadequacy. These are the people who love God sincerely and serve Christ faithfully, yet they feel that they lack sufficient faith. They feel something is wrong with them. This is an emotion I frequently feel. The burden of spiritual inadequacy only grows during times of unrest and uncertainty. For instance, when shootings in local churches occur or threats of terrorist attacks happen or someone becomes diagnosed with cancer, we feel a lack of faith in the Lord. Times when the world seems full of evil and vacant of good are the times when people’s (and my own) faith in Jesus becomes insignificant and scarce. Freak accidents that kill hundreds of innocent people make us question whether or not the Lord is good.

Unfortunately, when we find insignificant things significant, we tend to question the power of the cross and the authority of the Lord because in the big picture its miniscule. I am referring to things like a break up, failing a class, oversleeping your alarm on the first day of work, getting a speeding ticket, or spilling hot coffee on yourself when you run out the door. But to God, these are little things that lead us on the path that the Lord desires us to go on. Once you purse the Lord, you will realize that the things that seemed like such a big deal was actually just another path Christ made for you.

Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly, the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

5:1– “So they arrived at the other side of the lake . . .”

Storms form in different ways too. Moisture, unstable air and lift cause storms to form. In other words, sadness, unstable faith in the Lord, and a constant rise of anxiety will cause storms in our lives. Storms come in all shapes and sizes. But, the storms soon shall pass and the Lord has the power to quiet any disturbance. In Isaiah 43:2, the Lord promises His people, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”Although the other side of the storm you are facing now (or will soon face) appears to have little potential for survival, Jesus will help you get to the other side.

But, then Jesus said, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” (v 35)

Let’s = Let us . . . “us”, the two of us, together.

When the Son of God is with you, anything is possible and He will get you to the other side. Even if there is a fierce storm threatening to fill your boat with water with the intention to drown you. Do not be afraid. Take heart in the Lord. Be silent. Be still. “Let’s” (YOU and GOD together).  You will get to the other side of what you are facing now with Jesus by your side. Uncertainty about the future will come as the rain pours down. Anxiety will strike and fear will persist, but Jesus is bigger and stronger. “Silence! Be still.”(v 39) The wind will stop. Jesus will calm the storm. You will arrive to the other side of the like just as Jesus promised His disciples.

Mark 5:1 begins with these words,“So they arrived at the other side of the lake . . .”  

And so will you.