The Wind and Waves Obey – by Bermie Dizon

I’ve been reflecting on the story of Jesus calming the storm, found in Mark 4:35-41. After finishing preaching to a crowd, Jesus boarded a boat with His disciples following Him. He must have been very tired after a long day. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a massive storm arose, and water began filling their boat. Yet, Jesus was asleep! Despite having witnessed many miracles performed by Jesus, the disciples panicked and feared for their safety because He was sleeping.

In their panic, they urgently woke Jesus, expressing their danger. Jesus then rebuked the wind and waves, and even the disciples, saying, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, wondering, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

This story resonates with me personally. When I was in the Philippines, twice I was in boats that were nearly capsized by waves, and in other situations, three times I nearly drowned, but was saved by others. Reading this story, I empathize with the disciples’ panic. It’s striking to contrast Jesus’ calm amidst the storm with the disciples’ turmoil. In that moment, their fear of the storm outweighed their trust in God.

For me, this story highlights essential truths about our journey with Christ. In our humanity, we often focus only on the present moment. The disciples reacted much like we would have, seeing only the looming threat of the waves. Many of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and had faced storms before, but this one so terrified them that they feared for their lives.

During the storm, the disciples should have remembered the miracles they had seen with Jesus, yet they panicked instead of trusting Him. Jesus had already told them they would reach the other side, but in their fear, they forgot His words and His character.

We can all relate to the disciples in such moments. It’s easier to trust God when times are good, but in difficult times, trusting Him becomes more crucial.

Life is unpredictable; storms will come, but God’s unchanging character provides a steady foundation when everything feels uncertain. As Christians, Jesus lives within us through the Holy Spirit, always present with us.

He’s got this! Let’s never forget that. Instead, let’s pray to Jesus: “This situation is uncomfortable and stressful, but I trust You, my Lord! Give me strength, guide me through this trial, and teach me what You will. Thank You for Your love and protection, even in troubled times.” Let’s trust in Jesus and let the Holy Spirit calm us. Life’s storms are inevitable, but Jesus is always present, ready to calm both the external and internal turmoil. We can trust Him, even when the waves feel overwhelming, knowing He is greater than the storm.

Adapted from “God in Every Step” now available at Amazon.com. Bermie Dizon is a husband, father, grandfather and retired pastor living in Southern California.