3 things to Remember when you Feel so Afraid
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” – Mark 4:35-41
You will meet many storms in life. And how you deal with them depends on the faith that you have in Jesus. From the story above, we can learn important principles that we can apply every time we feel so afraid. Let’s go deeper and try to observe how Jesus reacted to His disciples when they went through the storms.
- Jesus gave the disciples a promise.
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” - Mark 4:35
Before they started their journey, Jesus had already said that they would go over to the other side. It means that He is giving them the assurance that they will arrive safe and sound and that they can cross over no matter what happens. In life, we are also given so many promises by God. Just like what Jesus did to His disciples, He is also giving us the assurance that everything will be okay. And you will discover these promises when you learn to open up your Bible. There, you will realize that Jesus gave you everything you need, and all you have to do is keep your faith. Believe that everything that He is saying will come to pass according to His perfect timing.
2. Jesus cares for His disciples.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” -Mark 4:38
Jesus was not disturbed by the sounds of the wind and the waves. He took a rest in the midst of chaos and turbulence. But the cries of His disciples woke Him up. Their troubled heart pushed Him to get up and rebuked the wind. Jesus knew how worried His disciples were. At this moment, they forget what He said earlier. They no longer remember what Jesus promised. But even if they fail to trust in His words, still Jesus cared for them. He proved to His disciples that they can always call upon His Name. Know that you can also trust in Jesus because He cares for you. In moments when you are afraid, remember His promises and call upon Him. He will be there to calm your storms.
3. Jesus encouraged His disciples to have faith.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - Mark 4:40
Though Jesus said it in a question form, it seems like He is reminding His disciples to believe in Him. It’s like He is telling them not to be afraid and to trust Him instead. His disciples forgot the goodness and love of Jesus that the storms they faced disturbed their faith. Know that you don’t have to go through the same thing. When you encounter troubles in life, always remember who Jesus is and keep your faith in Him.
Never forget that when you feel so afraid, all you need to do is to remember God’s promises, believe that Jesus cares for you, and choose to increase your faith. Hold on to the future that God prepared and never allow the obstacles in your life to hinder you from believing in Him. The storm will always be there, but one thing is for sure, you can make it through because Jesus is always with you.
