Why are you so afraid?

"And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. ‬‬But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing. And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:37-41

Fear has so many debilitating implication in our lives. Among other things, fear can keep us from fulfilling God's plan and purpose for our lives. Fear will keep us awake at night. Fear will ruin our health. Fear will rob us of peace and joy.

Why are you so afraid? That was the question that Jesus asked his disciple, who he was in the boat with, during a windstorm. The answer to that probing question is found in the following question, "Have you still no faith?" In other words, didn't they have enough evidence of His person and power? Didn't they know that He was God in the flesh, who not only has authority over the elements, but cared for their well being?

Jesus was asleep on the ship, but He was not unaware of what was going on around them. He could sleep, in spite of the storm, because He was in control. In the same way, we can sleep and be at peace when we cast our cares on Him, who cares for us, and trust that He is ultimately in control, that all things work for good and His glory. Peace will come to our lives when we trust that the one who feeds the sparrows is the one who stands with us, when we remember that the one who created the winds is in the boat with us.